World scholars cup is a program that brings together people from different parts of the world to share the same platform and compete in debate and writing based on a curriculum they provide. This competition is usually in stages from the lowest levels to the most coveted level. My journey started when we attended the regional round in Nairobi and after scooping more than 20000 points, we qualified for the global round and chose to attend the one held in South Africa. This was a much larger and competitive stage hence to qualify for the final round extra effort was required. This is where I learned to work in a team because they push you to do the very best for the team. I had never felt any more patriotic than during the flag marching ceremony.
During my time in South Africa, I learned the benefit of sisterhood and women looking out for each other. After a nerve-wracking week which involved working our bodies to the bone, we qualified for the most coveted Tournament of Champions. The Tournament of Champions, which was held in the prestigious Yale University was the final step in this journey. This held the most challenging content because it was a collection of the best from around the world. From being in a scavenge team with an Asian to dining with an American, from debating with a European to sharing writing ideas with an Australian, I learned the act of acceptance by putting all our differences behind me.
I took a liking to this year’s theme; A World on the Margins. This entailed marginalization in different contexts for example art, music, literature, etc. I got to learn about the perks of being marginalized and the blindside of being part of the majority. World scholars has been more than just a competition to me rather it was a celebration of learning and a simulation of the world as we want it to be. Imagine if the world’s leaders forgot all the differences and worked together, it would be A World Renewed which happens to be next year’s theme for World Scholars.
Written by Faith Marindich – Form Four student, Nova Pioneer Girls Secondary School
