Finding my Voice by Edrena

Finding my Voice by Edrena - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

As someone who was naturally quiet, public speaking was one of the most challenging parts of my education. In high school, every semester required two major presentations, each worth 50% of our grade. Standing in front of my classmates while three judges carefully evaluated every word I said felt overwhelming. I struggled with anxiety, nervousness, and stuttering, and I dreaded presentation days more than any test.

At first, I thought the hardest part was speaking in front of an audience. Over time, I realized the real challenge was learning to trust myself. Preparing for each presentation forced me to do more than memorize information. I had to research my topic, determine which details were most important, organize my ideas in a logical way, and think critically about how to explain complex information so others could easily understand it. I also had to anticipate questions and be prepared to respond with confidence.

What surprised me most was that my confidence didn't begin to grow in the classroom—it grew while working in fast-food restaurants. Every day, I communicated with customers, answered questions, and solved problems under pressure. Eventually, I realized that giving a presentation was not much different. Instead of talking about a menu, I was simply talking about a topic I had spent time researching. Once I shifted my perspective, my anxiety became easier to manage.

After each presentation, I found myself thinking the same thing: *That wasn't nearly as bad as I expected.* That realization changed the way I approached challenges. Instead of assuming I would fail, I began focusing on preparation, practice, and trusting the work I had already done.

As a future elementary school teacher, this experience will help me encourage students who doubt themselves. I understand what it feels like to be afraid to speak up, and I know that confidence grows one step at a time. Learning to overcome my fear of public speaking strengthened not only my communication skills but also my critical thinking, preparation, and problem-solving abilities—qualities I will carry into my future classroom.