Jolly Ranchers and a QR code changed my high school experience entirely. During club rush in freshman year, some upperclassmen officers tossed some jolly ranchers on my lunch table with a paper with a QR code that said “Join Etiwanda Key Club!” Prior to high school and even throughout a majority of my freshman year, I struggled with intense social anxiety. I hated the fact that I couldn’t participate in class without hearing my heart pounding as I searched for the courage to raise my arm. I dreaded presentations because by the end of it, I felt lightheaded from my whole body, especially my face, burning up as time went on. My palms would sweat to the point where I couldn’t place them on the desk without leaving a trace of visible nervousness for the people around me to see. That in itself was embarrassing enough. I decided to join Key Club because of its motto to build servant leaders through service (and a bonus trip to Six Flags). I was tired of the mental exhaustion, stress, and anxiousness that I went through every time I had to speak in front of people, and I knew realistically that later in life, communication skills and public speaking would be crucial to be successful.
I was given a chance to serve as an officer during freshman, sophomore, and junior year. I took advantage of presenting meeting slides every week by mentally preparing myself to think on the spot, eliminate filler words, use hand gestures without feeling awkward or forced, and feeling comfortable with moments of silence. Lieutenant Governor was a position that people usually tried to be elected for their senior year. My immediate reaction was, “I would never run for Lieutenant Governor.” It entailed serving on the California-Nevada-Hawaii District Board that has about 80 students on it to represent their different “divisions” which is made up of different Key Clubs at schools in your area. You have to plan Division Council Meetings where all the clubs meet once a month and give updates. You oversee service hours, fundraising progress, and assist over 100 officers. Our division is named Division 15 North with a mascot of the Giraffes, and we have 8 schools: Alta Loma, Chaffey, Claremont, Etiwanda, Los Osos, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland. These responsibilities combined with my fear to speak in front of over 100 people in person every month made me think I could never serve on this level. However, I finalized my decision to run. I told myself if I grew this much, it’d be a waste of potential and time if I didn’t at least try.
Conclave (the name of the event where members of the division vote for their next Lieutenant Governor), was already here. I was never the best at writing inspirational speeches and that was what originally made me doubt my abilities. But then I realized one thing: when you truly love something, you don’t need to fake your passion in writing. It’ll come naturally. So, I brainstormed months prior. A hook. A theme. A resonating closing. My slogan was “reigniting the spark within our division” because we struggled with toxicity and unhealthy competition between our clubs the past year. The night before, I had a genuine, unusual excitement overpowering my nerves which carried over the next morning. Friends & family texted me good luck which made me realize what was actually happening and that it was actually reality. “What am I doing running for Lieutenant Governor? This is crazy.”
In the candidates room, I was antsy to present my speech already and it seemed meant to be because I was the first candidate to go. I used to be so nervous for caucus (Q&A session) that follows each speech, but from past practice from running for club positions three times, I channeled that knowledge on stage. When it was announced that I made it to the second and final round, I began to feel more nervous as I realized that this was my one and only chance to secure everyone’s trust in me. As I paced around the front of the auditorium foyer waiting to be called onto stage, I internalized that I only had one shot. I walked in with a sudden wave of sureness. I presented my speech and had an extremely smooth caucus session. Shortly after that, it was time for election announcements. My name was called and I heard everyone’s cheers echo the large theatre. I walked onto stage with the biggest, cheesiest smile and took pride in this huge milestone.
When I got home, I recited my speeches to my parents. Everything felt so surreal. I told them how this moment had marked the moment I have gone full circle in growing and surmounting my social fears. Forcing myself to be in discomfort during all those club meetings and not succumbing to the fear of embarrassment and ridicule felt so worth it. My progress wasn’t immediate nor drastic over the years. But every time I used a filler word, lowered my voice, or wanted to read off the slides to run away from making eye contact with the audience, I tried again the next meeting. This persistent mindset showed me that you are the only one standing in your own way, and that you are responsible for the outcomes you desire.
I am so glad I braced myself in freshman year to be uncomfortable so that I could develop the resilience I have now. It led up to me being able to enjoy my last year in the club that saw me grow the most, in the position of Lieutenant Governor of Division 15 North, “igniting into service.” I am especially grateful for those Jolly Ranchers and that small slip of paper with that QR code on it.
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