As I am sitting here typing this up, a strong urge of mixed up emotions rushed over me. I am happy and nervous, with bits of pride, fear and excitement stirred into it. I am very lucky to be able to get in the finals of the Star of Outlook English Talent Competition. I mean, everyone here is so good at English! As I stood beside these experienced and talented contestants in the semi-finals, I felt that I didn’t stand a chance at all. But surprisingly, the judges gave me the top score in both the prepared speech and the impromptu speech, and I made it into the top 20. (Personally I thought I had flunked the impromptu speech…I was so nervous that I had to stop talking right in the middle of my speech to get my emotions under control again!) So when Zhao Yinqi announced my score, I was so surprised that I practically fell off my chair. (Ha, is that even possible?) I guess I’m just a lucky duck!

　　But I have to say that I can’t have gotten this far if not for all the help my family and friends provided me with. So I have to say “thank you” to the following people:

　　Thank you, mom, for always helping me with my speeches and for letting me know that no matter what, I am a winner in my heart.

　　Thank you, dad, for believing in me.

　　Thank you, Lillian, for always being there to watch me even though mom’s nagging at you to go to sleep.

　　Thank you, my relatives, for supporting me and taking pride in what I have achieved.

　　Thank you, dear teachers, for helping me with my English even though it is lunchtime and your stomach is growling.

　　Thank you, dear classmates, for encouraging me.

　　Entering this competition is probably the best thing ever in my life. I made friends, learned English, and most of all, had fun. I actually got over my stage fright and can speak on the stage with confidence even though I still feel nervous at times. So thank you, Outlook English, for providing me the stage on which I can display my talents and for making my outlook brighter.

　　And thank you, myself, for trying your best and for not letting me down.

　　I’m leaving for Beijing next week. I promise I will do my best, and whatever the result is, I will just have fun with it. Wish me luck! (You’d better wish me luck, because if I win, I’ll treat you all to KFC! Ha-ha, I’m just kidding.)

　　And remember, success is made of 10% luck, 20% skill, and 15% concentrated power of will. With 5% of pleasure, and 50% pain, you’ll have 100% reasons to believe that you can win. And even if you don’t, the result isn’t what really matters. The joy of the battle is not to have won, but to have struggled. As long as you tried, you have succeeded. Keep this in mind; this will help you get through a lot in life.