Speaking with Confidence by Azlyn

Speaking with Confidence by Azlyn - April 2026 Scholarship Essay

In the next few years, I hope to master the skill of public speaking. This is important to me because speaking in front of groups has always been a challenge. When I have to present or talk to a crowd, I often feel nervous and start shaking, which makes it harder to clearly express my thoughts. Even though this is difficult for me, I know that improving this skill will be important for both my education and my future career.

I have already started working on my public speaking skills in my senior seminar class, where we practice presenting and speaking in front of others. These experiences have helped me begin to step outside of my comfort zone. While I still get nervous, I am learning that confidence comes with practice. Over the next few years, I plan to continue putting myself in situations where I have to speak, whether that is in class, group settings, or future college courses. I also want to focus on preparing ahead of time, practicing what I want to say, and learning techniques to stay calm, such as slowing down and organizing my thoughts.

This skill is especially important to me because of my goal to attend American International College in the fall of 2026 to become a registered nurse. Nursing requires strong communication skills, whether speaking with patients, families, or other healthcare professionals. I want to be able to speak clearly, confidently, and calmly so that I can provide the best care possible and make patients feel comfortable and understood.

Although public speaking is challenging for me right now, I am determined to improve. By continuing to practice and push myself, I believe I can build confidence and turn this weakness into a strength. Mastering this skill will not only help me succeed in nursing school, but also allow me to make a positive impact in the life of others.