The synergy was different at Teens Speak Out! The BBYDI Teens Speak Out Oratory contest, for me, was that place of refining, molding and polishing that i needed. In my first encounter with her in 2017, i knew I had to go back and effectively learn to deliver and communicate without falling short of expectations. I knew I had to sharpen my creativity and thinking skills from my first experience in her impromptu second segment of the oratory contest. I was driven to make organized and fact-based presentations on topics without prior preparation because the aim was to mine the ideas we had in our brains as teens. From coming third place in 2017 to second place in 2018 and finally emerging the winner as "Orator of the year" in 2019, I never went back home from TSO the same, I was always bigger, better and more daring. BBYDI made me appreciate my talents and see the gift in me. I contributed to our national issues with my voice and TSO told me I had enough space to spread my wings and be the best I can. Thank you BBYDI, you're an answer to the prayers I thought God never heard, I'm so glad to finally find a place where my voice is appreciated.

In every contest, there is no defeat. It is either you win or learn. When I first participated in BBYDI's Teens Speak Out in 2017, as a participant in the Essay writing category, I did not win; but did not lose either! I merely went to celebrate others, hoping there would be yet another chance ahead. I clapped, clapped until it was my turn to shine. As our then Literary and Debate coach would say "The defeated of today are the potential winners of tomorrow." I did not despair. I came back in 2019 to grab the Second Best Essayist Award for my school. Dear participants, don't be afraid you might lose today, there is no loser. You either win now or learn, and try again later. And because you're all winners, I congratulate you in advance.

My experience in the Brain Builder's Teens Speak Out as a past winner can be summarised in two words: "Learning" and "Winning". In 2018 when I first attended Teens Speak Out, I realised there are much for me to learn, both in speaking and reasoning. In 2020, I came back with a bag full of new and creative things, fortunately, I was celebrated. If you are chanced to meet all the winners of BBYDI's Teens Speak Out, you'd be bored with rhetorical stories, not because we all have learnt common things, but because we pass through similar experiences- the learning, the winning. Thanks to BBYDI for giving me a huge opportunity to contribute to National issues. The world need more people with this same energy.

The competition fostered a welcoming and encouraging environment, which allowed participants like me to feel at ease while expressing our thoughts and ideas. The choice of topics for both the oratory and essay categories was thought-provoking and relevant to the issues faced by today's youth. It challenged me to think critically and articulate my opinions effectively. The panel of judges consisted of knowledgeable individuals who provided constructive feedback. Their expertise and encouragement motivated me to strive for excellence in my oratory and essay writing skills. Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this competition, and I believe it has been instrumental in my personal growth and development. I look forward to seeing how the program evolves in the future and how it continues to empower and inspire young voices to be heard.