SCHOLAR'S STORY #5 — Bernice Zarzuela
11/03/20
Scholar Profile:
Name: Bernice Zarzuela
Age: 12
School: De La Salle Santiago Zobel School
Country of Origin: Philippines
Division: Junior
Social Media: @bernicezarz (IG)
Name: Bernice Zarzuela
Age: 12
School: De La Salle Santiago Zobel School
Country of Origin: Philippines
Division: Junior
Social Media: @bernicezarz (IG)
My decision of joining the World Scholars Cup was, well, really indecisive; having absolutely no permission from my mom and having barely any knowledge of the problem. The only thing I knew about it at the time was that it was just something I wouldn’t commit to at all, and so I tell you, June 21 version of me: you were wrong. Kinda.
My first debate and the sorts of the winning essay and completely no bowl nor challenge medals led me to strive harder. So I did. Fun fact: I relied on just one resource for all my notes and you guessed it: this very website. I had two months in between my regional and my global round so I had to make it count; I blanked out on exams and projects to focus on my globals. It paid off.
Entering the theatre was surreal for me. The big lights, the wide stage and, of course, the hundreds of scholars I’d be competing against. It was an unfamiliar yet familiar feeling of adrenaline. And it was at the announcement of my participation in the debate showcase is when I realised that there was this one kind of real happiness I experienced. However, I won’t bore you with my debate showcase chronicle, I’ll just tell you how it was worth it: everything was worth it.
It was after exiting the Newport theatre that I realised my passion for this program, so much that it had manifested into a project with the people I love and trust. The times after Manila and TOC were better than I expected: joining @wscfambam and beginning my own project CSI (The Champion Scholar Initiative).
I’ve learned so much from this program and its very challenging and sleep-depriving curriculum that I can’t just fit it into a 1000 word story. My biggest lesson though: my victories are not mine alone to celebrate. These are the blood, sweat and tears put through by vicious all-nighters, unending support from family and friends, the staff and of course my teammates. I know I’ve developed a better work ethic through the World Scholars Cup, because honestly how can you not. WSC drives you to learn, and not because your school or parents forced you to; it’s because you wanted to. That, honestly, is the greatest achievement the program can celebrate: this experience is like no other.
I still remember how my face lit up when I saw my trophy. I want every single one of you scholars to experience that. Start initiatives, meet new friends, find your potential soulmate and triumph in your own way, I’m telling you: go for it. That’s the only thing I can leave to you guys once my story comes to a close.
I have my full support and love for this community.
My first debate and the sorts of the winning essay and completely no bowl nor challenge medals led me to strive harder. So I did. Fun fact: I relied on just one resource for all my notes and you guessed it: this very website. I had two months in between my regional and my global round so I had to make it count; I blanked out on exams and projects to focus on my globals. It paid off.
Entering the theatre was surreal for me. The big lights, the wide stage and, of course, the hundreds of scholars I’d be competing against. It was an unfamiliar yet familiar feeling of adrenaline. And it was at the announcement of my participation in the debate showcase is when I realised that there was this one kind of real happiness I experienced. However, I won’t bore you with my debate showcase chronicle, I’ll just tell you how it was worth it: everything was worth it.
It was after exiting the Newport theatre that I realised my passion for this program, so much that it had manifested into a project with the people I love and trust. The times after Manila and TOC were better than I expected: joining @wscfambam and beginning my own project CSI (The Champion Scholar Initiative).
I’ve learned so much from this program and its very challenging and sleep-depriving curriculum that I can’t just fit it into a 1000 word story. My biggest lesson though: my victories are not mine alone to celebrate. These are the blood, sweat and tears put through by vicious all-nighters, unending support from family and friends, the staff and of course my teammates. I know I’ve developed a better work ethic through the World Scholars Cup, because honestly how can you not. WSC drives you to learn, and not because your school or parents forced you to; it’s because you wanted to. That, honestly, is the greatest achievement the program can celebrate: this experience is like no other.
I still remember how my face lit up when I saw my trophy. I want every single one of you scholars to experience that. Start initiatives, meet new friends, find your potential soulmate and triumph in your own way, I’m telling you: go for it. That’s the only thing I can leave to you guys once my story comes to a close.
I have my full support and love for this community.