My Journey to Nationals by Carissa

My Journey to Nationals by Carissa - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Carissa Dobbie, and I am a junior at East Limestone High School in Athens, Alabama. I have always been a hardworking and determined individual, but I never imagined that I would compete on a national stage for SkillsUSA. My journey in the Job Skill Demonstration competition was transformative. It taught me the value of perseverance, creativity, and self-confidence, and it proved that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to incredible achievements.

When my teacher first encouraged me to compete in SkillsUSA, I was hesitant. I had never considered myself a public speaker or someone who could confidently present in front of an audience. However, my teacher saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself. With their encouragement, I decided to take on the challenge, even though I was nervous about what lay ahead.

The first step was creating my presentation. I chose a skill I was passionate about, something I knew I could explain in detail and demonstrate effectively. Putting the presentation together required countless hours of research, preparation, and practice. I wanted to ensure every detail was perfect, from my verbal explanation to the physical execution of the skill. However, this process wasn’t without its challenges.

One of the biggest hurdles I faced was my fear of public speaking. I struggled to project confidence and maintain composure while speaking in front of others. During practice sessions, I often stumbled over my words or forgot key points. To overcome this, I dedicated myself to practicing daily. I worked with my teacher, classmates, and family members, who provided constructive feedback and helped me refine my delivery. Slowly but surely, I began to build the confidence I needed to present effectively.

At the district competition, I was proud of my presentation, but I didn’t expect to win gold. When my name was announced, I felt a surge of pride and motivation to continue improving. Moving on to the state level, I faced even tougher competition, but I focused on refining my presentation based on feedback from judges and mentors. Winning gold at state was a moment I will never forget—it was a testament to the hard work and dedication I had put into this journey.

When I advanced to Nationals, it felt surreal. Competing on a national stage was an entirely different experience, with heightened stakes and some of the best competitors in the country. The environment was intimidating, but I reminded myself how far I had come and the hard work I had put in to get there.

Nationals brought new challenges, including presenting to a panel of highly experienced judges. I knew I had to be poised and articulate while demonstrating my skill with precision. Despite the pressure, I relied on my preparation and stayed focused. Standing in front of the judges, I drew on everything I had learned throughout my journey—about public speaking, composure, and believing in myself.

When I earned the bronze medal at Nationals, I was overwhelmed with pride. It wasn’t just about the medal; it was about everything I had accomplished to get to that point. I had transformed from a nervous, unsure participant into a confident presenter and problem-solver.

This experience taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth. Every obstacle I faced—whether it was fear of public speaking or perfecting my presentation—helped me build the skills and confidence I need to succeed. It also reinforced my dream of becoming a teacher. The process of creating and delivering my demonstration felt like teaching, and it inspired me to pursue a career where I can help others discover their potential, just as my teacher did for me.

The journey to Nationals wasn’t easy, but it was worth every late night, every practice session, and every moment of doubt. I now understand that stepping out of your comfort zone is the first step toward achieving greatness. With hard work, determination, and a belief in yourself, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.