Division C International Speech Contest

To my beloveds in Tokyo,

Ummi Ayah, the Division C International Speech Contest has got to be the most action-packed drama. Not during the contest itself but before it.

Angah and I set off from home at 1pm (eventhough I know we wanted to go out at 1230pm and the contest would begin at 2pm). I thought Angah knew the way but at the porch, we were still working the GPS searching for the Federal Highway. Of course, you know how "crazy" and misunderstanding the GPS can be especially at KL roads. So, I don't know how to relay the story but cut short, we somehow ended up at Bukit Bintang downtown KL area (somewhere there) but basically it was all a really huge jam and one way road and Angah said, "Honestly, I don't know where we are now." This was at 120pm.

Because we couldn't call you all the way in Japan, I called up Zahid who was still at home and he pinpointed our location with Google Map and also with the help of his mom (thank you Auntie Mariati!). So, we managed to get out of the horrendously jam-packed KL area and voila, reached Bangsar (which of course Angah knows very well considering it is close to his college) and we were on our way to the Federal Highway! This was at 140pm.

James called me up and said (in a lil panicked yet calm manner): "Alia, the contest chair says that all participants need to be here by 2pm or else they will be disqualified." (Angah said: "What? They can't disqualify you until your name is read out." I said, "Are you going to argue with the contest chair?!?") I said; "Okay, I'm at the Federal Highway now." He said; "What? You're at the Federal Highway?? Haha." I said; "Can you do whatever you can to stall the competition?" (lol). He said; "Okay, drive fast but drive safe." This was at 145pm.

I wasn't freaking out. In fact, I was awfully calm. I thought; it's okay if I'm disqualified- probably God has different plans. Angah was quite stressed and he said: "We're not gonna make it." Then Pei Leng called me up and said, "Alia, don't panic. Where are you now?" I said; "Haha I'm not in a panic, Pei Leng. I'm still on my way." She said, "Okay, please hurry up. The event begins at 2:15pm but all contestants need to be here." This was at 2:00pm.

Pei Leng messaged me: "Are you at UMW?" I said, "No." Angah said: "... You'r going to be disqualified." We just entered Shah Alam. This was at 2:10pm.

Then we saw the UMW! But there were about 5 buildings! Angah said: "Message Pei Leng and say you're almost there!" We followed the map and went into UMW Holdings. I jumped out of the car and was about to head to the entrance when I heard, "Alia ALIA! It's the opposite building!!!" I turned around and saw Pei Leng, pink in the face and gesturing frantically in the opposite direction. So I ran there and she said breathlessly to me: "The auditorium is a bit far, but follow the signs!" I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, my mind was numb, my breath was fast and choked. And I thought: "Please please let me make it." This was at 2:14pm.

I ran straight into the auditorium and heard the SAA beginning the formalities. I ran to the registration counter and met Valli (organizing chair). She glanced at me and said, "Ah, there you are." She let me to the contest chair (can't remember his name but I think Area C4 Governor) to show that I was there. Taufeeq came up to me smiling to pass me the Eligibility Form but I had already filled it up and just passed it to the contest chair. My hands were shaking and I was still breathing hard. I saw my name was the second speaker. And then the contest chair said: "Ok."

I felt like dropping to the floor but I managed to grab a drink of water to quench my thirst and dry throat. I walked shakily to the audience seat and Rosalind (District Public Relations Officer) shook my hand hard and patted my back. James saw me and put on the "Yay!! \(^-^)/ You're here!" face. Angah came in and gestured to know what's the status. I grinned at him and mouthed, "Second speaker." He smiled satisfied and took a seat.

I then sat next to James and he said, "Alia, this has got to be the most dramatic Div C contest ever." I looked beside him and saw Foong, Pei Leng, Tejinder, Yvonne and Walia all giving me smiles and thumbs-up. I grinned.

Seconds later, the contest chair started the event.

Later during break time, I found out that many maaaannyyyy people had gone out of their way to ensure that I managed to not be disqualified for my tardiness. James talked to the contest chair, Taufeeq said he'd hold on to my eligibility form so that I would immediately sign it; and he said he left the rest to God. Rosalind even chipped in a word for me. Foong had told Pei Leng to wait outside so that I would find the way. Valli in the end said: "Alia, don't be late next time. We had to stall it just for you." I smiled sheepishly.

I had delivered my "Ordinary people, Extraordinary miracles" speech; which as you know is about the power of helping people; and we, normal people, might actually be performing miracles. I didn't win nor did I get top three. (1st place was Stephen Fernando! Angah said my voice was a bit too excited -probably because I hadn't fully calmed down since the 400m dash!- and Taufeeq said the delivery was "less" than the the previous one I had given at Area C1 contest). But in the end, people congratulated me and said that it was a good speech.

The best thing that happened was that the Chief Judge (I can't remember his name; he's an Indian and I think he's around 50 or 60 years old) personally came up to me, looked me in the eyes, shook my hand firmly and said seriously, "Alia, thank you for your speech. You tremendously inspired me." All I could manage was, "Really?" And he nodded. Behind him, Angah was doing a thumbs-up crazy wild jig.

It started raining heavily, pouring cats and dogs, but I was happily skipping on the puddles because eventhough I had not won anything, having known that I "tremendously inspired" someone was -really- even better than a trophy. It was priceless.

It's the best lesson I've learnt from the Div C contest. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I hope you're proud of me that way, Ummi and Ayah:)

Missing you so much! Keep yourselves warm over there:)

Lots of Love,

Alia.