Kayla Hazeltine
Ms. Gora
AP Literature and Composition
29 September 2022
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a
new understanding of yourself or others.
​
The worst grade I have ever received. I earned it after hours of practice and research.
Weeks and weeks I spent panicking over the oral presentation my English teacher assigned in the
eighth grade. My timid voice was drowned out by the anxiety that roared inside me. The
biography I needed to be speaking about fought with the lions that made my brain their jungle. I
accepted my defeat as I left the lectern and found my chair in the back of the room. I decided that
public speaking was not for me and my passion for law would have to be pushed aside.
​
Until one day, when I began to notice the Mock Trial posters that lined the hallways of
my highschool. I could not help but be filled with curiosity so I decided to attend the
informational meeting. Quietly, taking in the teacher who demanded respect, watching her spew
words and information leaving no words left to speak. The encyclopedia of a packet that she
placed on the desk in front of me probably would have scared off most students, except I could
not help but be filled with excitement. I took it home and analyzed every detail, from the 65
pages of rules at the beginning to the six witness testimonies at the end.
After months of preparation, the big trial was canceled the night before due to the rapid
spread of COVID-19.
Flash forward to my junior year, I find a friend and I once again attend the Mock Trial
informational meeting. A brand new packet smacked onto my desk and once more I went to
work. This year, I had much more experience giving me the capabilities of writing my very own
direct and cross examination. When we finally began running the trial, the dread of speaking,
even in front of the small group of my nerdy peers, brought back the same anxieties I had
experienced my whole life. Over time, I grew more comfortable with the people in the club but
the final trial day loomed over me getting closer every minute.
By the day of the trial, I had over 80 hours of practice. Anxious but prepared, I awaited
my turn, the last witness on the defense side. The practiced lines fell out of my mouth with more
charisma than I had ever spoken with before. Barely conscious, I recited the words I had
perfected in the past five months. The panic had long been ignited in my brain but I continued
speaking, fighting the fire I could feel raging inside of me. When I was finally finished, the
judges gave their feedback. The only words they had for me were “incredible, incredible… I’d
believe anything that girl told me”. After receiving all 9s and 10s on my score sheet I realized
that I had done it, I conquered the lions that had been living in my head for so long. Knowing
that even my biggest fear can not not limit my ability to pursue my passions allows me to do
everything I have and will ever dream of. I know now that I am beyond capable of extraordinary
things and not even a lion can keep me from it.