Many students dream of travelling abroad for their studies. Wings to Fly, an elocution competition conducted this year by the Rotary Club of Madras East (RCME) and the Goethe Institut, provides this opportunity to students from corporation schools by arranging an educational trip abroad. Sivakamai, a student of Saidapet Girls Higher Secondary School, and one of the eight students who won the competition, shares her experience and excitement.
Public speaking
As a child, I participated in everything from drawing competitions to singing competitions, but later realised that I have an edge in elocution. So I began to represent my school in Tamil Elocution Competitions. The encouragement from my headmistress Lyla ma’am and the support from my mother is the key behind the my success.
Passion to learn
Not everyone may like going to school, but it is something I am passionate about. I think learning is active and positive. To be successful, I work hard to achieve what I want.
On winning the competition for the second time
I thank the Rotary Club of Madras East for spotting my talent. Last year, I was among the eight students who got an opportunity to travel to Malaysia on an educational tour. This year again, I found myself in the finals.
The Rotary Club of Madras East and Goethe Institut, Chennai, trained us on ‘Story telling through the art of public speaking’ before the finals, which helped me a lot. I was elated when my name was announced as a winner.
I am eager to learn German as a foreign language (thanks to a scholarship from Goethe Insitut, Chennai / Max Mueller Bhavan). I am excited and looking forward to visiting Germany.
Plans for the future
The entire learning process during the two editions of ‘Wings to fly’ was an unforgettable experience. I focus on my communication skills, speaking with more clarity and eliminating waffle.
I liked the outlook of the people of Malaysia — their warmth and subtle gestures made us feel comfortable and welcome. I was impressed with the way they kept their city clean. Though I am yet to visit Germany, these trips have inspired me to become a part of the administration; my dream is to become the CM so that we can come up with similar ideas that would suit Chennai to make it self-sufficient.
