I’d like to talk about my best friend, Jamshid, who once persuaded me to join
the university debate club. At first, I wasn’t interested in the idea at all,
because I considered myself quite shy and uncomfortable speaking in front
of an audience. I always thought debate clubs were for very confident,
outspoken people, and I didn’t see myself fitting into that kind of
environment.
Jamshid, however, was already a member of the club, and he kept telling me
how beneficial it had been for him. He explained that debating wasn’t just
about arguing; it was actually a way of improving critical thinking, learning to
express ideas clearly, and becoming more confident in daily life. He used real
examples from his own experience — for instance, he told me how his ability
to present in class had improved dramatically, and how even his job
interviews felt easier because of the confidence he had gained from
debating.
At first, I resisted. I told him I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of
strangers. But Jamshid was very persuasive. He reminded me that everyone
in the club was once a beginner, and they all knew what it felt like to be
nervous. He also promised that he would be by my side during the first few
sessions and even practice with me before meetings. What really convinced
me, though, was when he said, “If you never try, you’ll never know your true
potential.” That simple line stayed with me.
So, eventually, I agreed to join just one meeting, thinking I would quietly sit
and observe. To my surprise, the members were extremely welcoming, and
the atmosphere was much friendlier than I had imagined. Slowly, I started
participating in small activities, and before I knew it, I was actually enjoying
the process. Over time, I gained confidence, and now I can easily deliver
speeches in front of large groups without shaking or forgetting my words.
Looking back, I’m very grateful to Jamshid for persuading me. Without his
encouragement, I would probably have missed out on one of the most
valuable experiences of my university life. He not only pushed me out of my
comfort zone, but also helped me discover a strength I didn’t know I had.