# Why To Never Give Up

by MJ Layao

Yes, I have succeeded so many times in life as I have said. But this story concentrates on what happened when I didn't give up.

When I was in grade 6, in my previous school in elementary in October 30, I won a competition in our school entitled Mr. United Nations which was actually a pageant. This is a very major achievement that flatters me until today. But every success has a big background.

About a half-quarter only in my 6th grade level, I was selected to represent our grade in one of the most major events in our school, Mr. and Ms. United Nations. This program is actually like a beauty pageant show in which we will perform in a large audience (especially because many pupils and students are in ILS and both highschool and elementary need to attend) and judges. But of course, being chosen as another representative (because there are two pairs to represent each level)isn't actually instant. All of us (those in the wildcard) have gotten to a series of interviews with our grade 6 teachers in their office. Being with them in a narrow office actually felt so embarassing and dreadful for also they made me walk and then answer some questions. And then when I found out that I was selected to represent our level with the country of Vietnam, the feeling of "what ifs" came. I imagined myself in the stage in front of a crowd with my partner being highlighted for important moments, it's chilling. I have thought also of backing out but, many people beside me encouraged me to continue. "This is probably a good experience," I said trying to decide steadily. Obviously, I went with it.

We had our photo shoot and I actually had my friends supporting me there and my mom, my friends were like, "MJ! You're so stiff." Blablabla, saying other things I should do in that pictorial for the Mr. United Nations. In the preparations for the the Mr. and Ms. United Nations, my mindset was to just do what should be done. We had our practices in our gymnasium and practicing was nerve-wrecking for the first time being conscious with your appearance. And one thing that actually has levelled down my performance was when I went for practice in dance. This is where the story centers about.

Dancing was never an asset of me, that's maybe caused by my naturally stiff body. In an afternoon, with some of the contestants also practicing in an outdoor part of our school, the instructors were there and I have been quite late. And not to mention that I have missed a day practicing for our dance steps. When I was there trying to follow the steps which were very hard, I would overthink. Overthinking is always a problem. I hate that feeling when you feel that you are the only burden of a group because you can't do something properly. I felt more humiliated by myself especially when I see my friends laughing when I hardly do those steps and when I see people passing by are talking about you, that's public humiliation for me and I regret feeling that before this. I couldn't help but to cry. Shocking right? Even though I didn't want to because I knew it was in public, but tears started to travel down. And being a superduper cry baby since grade one (it actually gets better as a year crosses) and an ultimate mama's boy, my mom was also there to try to calm me down by saying, "Stop crying." But it did no help for they actually got curious and think why I was crying, so now I know that everyone knows that I'm crying. Great! Totally humiliated. My mom rushed me home after a discomforting walk with her directing out the school until the motorcycle. When we arrived, still weeping, I hastened to our room and sobbed there. When my parents came to the room, I uttered, "I want to quit! I don't want it anymore more!" And then asked for privacy.

After settling myself, I thought about why I wanted to join, because of a great experience that could be once in a lifetime. And I thought, "Wouldn't it be more embarrassing if I haven't shown up?" That's why I decided to strive, tougher than ever. I more than partially forgot about what happened and just eyed on my aim. I have ever been known by myself as a warrior. Do you know how funny I practice our dance steps with my mom? Hahahaha! If we think there's a leak in the faucet, we try to fix it.

Hay! After all of those preparations, this is now it! OMG! The nerves and worries came. Of course! I've won! I've proven them wrong. I was actually shocked I got the most minor awards also from the elementary department. I got 'best in national costume,' 'best in production number (I've beaten them in dance),' and 'mr. photogenic (seems like the stiff boy got it).' I believed that the most important sayings in that journey were, "Victory loves preparation" and "It doesn't matter on how you get down, what matters most is how you will get up and slay the enemy." What could have happened if I stopped, then I wouldn't be crowned and get a sceptre as a remembrance that I have won Mr. United Nations by not giving up. And with faith in the above almighty, and your hard work, you're right on track!