17/02/2018
2/17/2018
Dearest Quarterfinalists,
I want you to congratulate yourself for waking up this day and making a solid decision to join in the Inner - House Battle. That in itself is a manifestation of your bravery and passion. I salute you! The mere fact that you dare to test your ability means that you believe in yourself, that for you winning isn't everything and that debate is something that you just love doing. As young as you are now, your eagerness to go outside of your shell and let the world see and let your ownselves see who you are and what you can do makes you a golden admirable person worthy of commendation.
There is a difference with someone who does things and someone who really does things well, well enough to master the courage to be challenged by an on-the-spot motion, write your own speech, speak in front, stand up and ask/answer questions. All for the reason because you want to, not just because it is expected of you. Now that makes you a true winner.
Whether or not you made it to the Semi - Finals, bear in mind these three things:
1. Be humble. Every victory and every defeat are both God's gifts. A victory is a happy feeling of triumph but it also should help you remember His Generosity and Greatness. A defeat teaches lessons we would never learn from any victory. It humbles us. It makes us improve for the better. It shapes our personality to be more driven and confident.
2. The real goal was to learn and have fun. Not all those who win are happy. Not all those who lose are sad. If you have learned many things today and had fun, what more could be better than those two?
3. Keep moving forward. These little hours we spent in debating isn't everything. Debate is just an activity to help us reach a higher goal. Nevertheless, always give your very best. We aim for the culture of excellence and good character. Debate is just a tool. Once we've grown older, we would look back to GTDS and then we will realize that it was all part of a journey to help us shape our dreams and destiny.
Most of all, smile, be proud of yourself because hey, not every 8 - 12 year-old kid got to experience debate contests like you did. You joined this club voluntarily. You debated today in the Quarterfinals bravely. You made GTDS a functional club that treats each other like family. Any teacher, any parent would be proud. And for sure God Almighty too is proud of you.
Congratulations! You did awesome. You are awesome. Now go and celebrate the weekend! God bless you my dear debaters!
Sincerely with pride and love for you all,
Teacher Sheen 😙
