Photo (L-R): Old Mission Rotary Master of Ceremonies Steve Nuñez, Reality Changers College Town Program Manager Dwayne Wiggins, Jr., Reality Changers speech contestants Chase, Cupid, Emeroth, Sumaya and Ivanna and Reality Changers Achievement Coaches Jade Gil Montesinos and Tya Valentine and Reality Changers Senior Vice President Ashley Morgan.
On Tuesday, January 27th, Old Mission Rotary hosted a first round of District 5340's Four Way Test Speech Contest. As is Old Mission Rotary's tradition, the competition was made up of students from the Reality Changers program.
Reality Changers prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities.
Here was the lineup (first names only):
Here was the lineup (first names only):
- Sumaya discussed the challenges facing young immigrants. She related her years long struggle to learn English and adopt to her new culture. Her advice was to never give up!
- Chase is a sophomore at La Jolla High School and promoted the idea that we should all slow down or even stop to reevaluate our goals before charging ahead in life. His example was how a football injury forced him to rest and recover before returning to the grid iron allowing him to realize the importance of academics.
- Cupid is a Junior at Gompers Preparatory Academy and talked about how debilitating anxiety can be. As a young girl she struggled with fear and was shy and reserved but has worked with help to become more confident and outgoing.
- Emeroth of Gompers Preparatory Academy discussed the challenges facing youth facing anxiety, fear and worry. Asking for help was her first important first step to overcome these issues.
- Ivanna discussed the alarming trend that incoming college freshmen are not prepared in math and reading when they arrive on campus. High school students must be made aware early to take advantage of tutors and mentors in available at school and other organizations such as Reality Changers.
Each of the five students delivered insightful and sincere talks and our club judges were hard pressed to select a winner. Emeroth will go on to participate in the next level of the Rotary District 5340 contest.