Most Significant Achievement

What single event or achievement has been most significant in your life? What were the results of this event or achievement?

During my schooldays I was very afraid of performing onstage. Though I was very active in organizing all the events in school staying behind the scene, yet when it came to perform in a formal stage set-up or in front of a large audience, I felt very uncomfortable. Even the thought of facing a large crowd made me feel very nervous and anxious. In order to combat the fear I decided to participate in a drama in the annual cultural event.

During the initial days of preparation I went through practice and instructional sessions organized by school. At home I repeatedly practiced in front of mirror and in presence of my friends and family members to memorize the lines, and to overcome the fear. To bring the right expressions I went through all the plays broadcasted in TV and attended drama sessions in the neighborhood. On the annual event day after an array of events my performance was scheduled and with every passing event I was growing anxious. In-spite of long practice hours I was scared, I was afraid that things might go wrong, and the audience might laugh or jeer at me. I could feel my heart pounding and shiver down my spine. Finally it was my time to go onstage. When I set my feet on the stage a I promised to myself to give the best and to rely on my capabilities. During the play I enjoyed every second and wasn’t frightened for an even a single moment. The cheer and applaud of the crowd after the play made me feel like a warrior who has just won a long fought battle.

This performance which I did in my sixth standard blew my fear away and I started to perform regularly in various events. I learned that with focus, concentration and a strong will to conquer human can achieve anything. Later on, when I started playing guitar for bands, I was not frightened to play on-stage; instead I was eager to perform in front of the crowd. Now performing onstage enables me to communicate with a full house filled with energy and enthusiasm and bring a sense of fulfillment in me. In my professional sphere also this learning has had impact; in meetings I speak confidently, I enjoy giving presentations and love addressing a large audience.