On the day I took the role of “Table Topic Master” for the first time, I was doubtful of my performance. Even after the meeting ended, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of uncertainty.
However, I remembered the reassuring words of Shakira
“….Don’t beat yourself up, no need to run so fast
Sometimes we come last, but we did our best…”
After the meeting, I received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number
“Hi Bimsara, It’s Thiyumi here. Can I have today’s table topics?”
Oh, that was the VP Public relations of Ruhuna Gavel.Here comes the best part!!
She also asked me to write a blog post for the official Ruhuna Gavel website.I love writing. So I was glad about this opportunity since I usually accept these words.Yes, it’s Shakira again.
”….I always get up now, see what’s next….”
But I had to answer a question paper which was provided by my mind.
What should I write about?
What will be the topic?
How many words should be there?
I just had my first experience as the “Table Topic Master” and Can I write such a thing?
Would others accept what I write? and so on.
I passed all these questions to the person who gave me this opportunity, without any hesitation.Thanks to Gv.Thiyumi, I mustered the courage and began to convert my memories of my gavel journey so far into words.
When I applied for each society at the university as a fresher, there was a word I had never heard of before – “Gavel.” I asked one of my seniors about it, and he told me it was a place that enhances our speaking abilities. However, I had no clear idea about what that meant.
In my first academic year, I applied for the Inter Faculty Oratory Competition under the English medium category. With all the support I received, I was awarded “The Orator of the Year 2022 at the University of Ruhuna”. This triumphant moment opened the door for lots of opportunities.
Adding me to my respective faculty’s Gavel WhatsApp group is top of them.
I felt like Gavel was badly waiting for me.
There was a voice inside my head!
Can you even imagine it?
It was as if Ruhuna Gavel was whispering to me like Enrique Iglesias,
“Somebody wants you, somebody needs you
Somebody dreams about you every single night
Somebody can’t breathe, without you it’s lonely
Somebody hopes that one day you will see
That somebody’s me”
My gavel journey began from there.
Since then, I’ve been attending every meeting I can and felt disappointed a lot when there was a physical meeting that I could not attend since physical meetings bring out the real public speaking experience and often create humorous memories.
Another milestone in my gavel journey was starting my CC projects.
Speaking about the gavel, it has gone beyond the limitations I see in other societies. This has led to an outstanding mutual understanding with each other.
As all the gaveliers respect the differences, we have enough freedom to talk about something different. Thus, we all are invited to try new words and new ways of presenting. As they agree with the famous question of “The Script” in the song “Hall of Fame”,
“…..How’re you ever gonna know if you never even try?”
Moreover, the immense support given by the Gavel family is highly appreciated. Everyone in this family is wise enough to accept that “No one is perfect”, even though the rest of the entire world is searching for perfection.
Thus, everyone is free to share ideas without being discriminated. There is room for sentiments.
Therefore, undoubtedly the Gavel is indeed a breeding ground for great public speakers.
I would like to express my endless gratitude to everyone who supported and encouraged me throughout this journey. Especially Gv. Dilushi, Gv. Madushi, Gv.Abdullah Nawas, Gv.Nafeel , Gv.Raveesha and others who made a good impression on the gavel club when I was a newbie and who reached out to me whenever I asked for their support. Without them, I wouldn’t be here as the secretary of the shadow board.
I extend my hands to undergraduates who are willing but scared to speak.
You’re the only one who can change your destiny!!
As Abraham Lincoln, the former president of the USA said, “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, THEN STAND FIRM”
I’m pretty sure Ruhuna Gavel is the right place for your feet.
Again at the end, “The Script” is whispering,
“…you could be the greatest, you can be the best
You can be the King Kong bangin’ on your chest
You can beat the world, you could win the war
You can talk to God, go bangin’ on his door
You can throw your hands up, you can beat the clock
You can move a mountain, you can break rocks
Some will call it practice, some will call it luck
But either way, you’re going to the history books
Standing in the hall of fame….”
Goodbye until we meet together in the Hall of Fame.
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