Week #18 Pitching Competition Innovation Summit

 

THE FINAL WEEK

        First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for taking the time to read my blog. Your support and engagement mean the world to me, and I sincerely hope that my words have had a positive impact on you in some way. Writing this blog has been a journey of self-expression and reflection, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences with you.

        As we reached the final week of our project, anticipation and nervousness filled the air as we prepared to present our work to a panel of esteemed experts. Despite the jitters, I felt a sense of confidence in our team's efforts. However, my optimism was met with disappointment when the panelist made a comment that caught me off guard. They suggested that I should have delivered my presentation in English, even though the instructions stated that we should use the language common to our group.

            In my defense, I had observed that everyone in the room, including the panelist, was conversing in the local language, Bisaya. As a fellow Bisaya speaker, I believed it was only fitting to communicate in the language that would ensure the best understanding and connection with my audience. It was not a matter of disregarding the importance of English or complaining about the situation. I simply followed the instructions and made a thoughtful decision based on the context and the people present. With utmost respect and a deep sense of humility, I wholeheartedly accept the criticism and choose to remain silent, refraining from any arguments or disagreements, as I recognize the vast knowledge and expertise possessed by the individual, acknowledging that there is much for me to learn and embracing this opportunity for growth and self-improvement.

            Despite this unexpected turn of events, our presentation went well overall. However, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of hurt by the panelist's remark about my choice of language. It seemed as though my decision to use the local language had negatively impacted their perception of my performance. Nevertheless, I remained grateful for the valuable feedback and advice offered by the panel, which will undoubtedly guide us in future endeavors should our project be approved.

On a brighter note, one of the highlights of this final week was finally meeting my classmates and, most notably, my instructor in person. Throughout the entire course, we had been learning and interacting online, so it was a joyous occasion to have a face-to-face encounter. My instructor, whom I found to be both kind-hearted and beautiful, played a significant role in guiding and shaping our learning journey. I am thankful for her support and the valuable insights she provided to our project.

            With mixed emotions, I bid farewell to this blog, marking the end of a chapter. To all those who have been part of this journey, I extend my heartfelt appreciation and affection. Goodbye, and thank you for being a part of my story.

        To my future self, if you happen to come across this blog, I wish you all the best. May you embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, always striving to do your best. Good luck on your continued journey of growth and self-discovery.