Local middle school student needs your help to win national public speech contest and a trip to South Korea
(Bolingbrook, Illinois) - Most people get tongue-tied when they are expected to deliver a speech. Even great world leaders sometimes fumble their words, pulling at their collar and sweating bullets when it comes to addressing a crowd. That's why Eye Level, a tutoring center in operation since the 1970s, is introducing oratory skills early to young students through their annual Oratacular Speech contest.
One of this year's finalists is 13-year-old Farah Rahman, a middle school student with a love for education and the belief that the world is destined for achieving global peace. By all accounts, Farah is your typical preteen girl. She loves listening to music, drawing, and hanging out with friends. However, she is also determined to serve as a leader for her generation. Outspoken and radiating with positive energy, Farah is one of only 83 finalists who have the chance to attend the camp at the renowned Gyeonggi Academy of Foreign Languages in South Korea. This accomplishment is no small feat considering that hundreds of students entered from all across the United States and Canada.
"Winning this contest would mean a lot to me," says Farah. "I would be on my way to becoming a great speaker. I am on the student council at school and it would be so excited to share this experience with my peers and the community."
Every student in the contest had their choice as to which topic they wanted to discuss in their speech. Farah didn't blink an eye when she chose to highlight the one thing she couldn't live without. "I couldn't live without books," Farah said. "There are so many different ways they impact my life."
Farah's passion for reading is in the details. She believes that books have almost humanlike qualities that go beyond just entertainment. According to her speech, they are study partners when you need to do research, shoulders when you're going through a tough time, forms of escape during moments of stress, and friends capable of sparking new interests.
Still, those are not the only reasons Farah believes books are valuable. Her speech proves that through books, we can gain different points of view. It's by relating to another character that we get a stronger sense of empathy, thus making the world a more peaceful and harmonious place.
"I think someday eventually peace will be achievable," said Farah. "The future of the world is in the hands of a youngster like me, and I will do my part to bring peace to this world."
So how can you help Farah make it all the way to the top? First, listen to her inspiring speech on YouTube and share, share, share! The more people who see the speech, the more votes will be in Farah's favor.
Second, tell everybody you know about Eye Level's Oratacular Speech contest.
Watch the video with your kids at home and stress to them the importance of being a good public speaker.
Finally, make sure you "Like" Farah's video on YouTube.
The more "Likes" Farah's video receives, the more likely she will be to make it all the way to South Korea!
In a world of social media and rampant cellphone use, Farah's love of books is a humble and endearing quality. Support this local student and help her achieve the opportunity of a lifetime!