Before joining CLC I found I didn't enjoy taking part in competitions because of all the pressure they brought. So attending the John Locke Competition was not really what I had imagined for my Easter break back at home, but it was something different, something challenging.
Academic writing was extremely hard for me, so I didn’t expect any results while participating in this competition, only that I would understand how much more I needed to learn to create the perfect essay.
I am writing this one day after I attended the awards ceremony after being shortlisted and getting a commendation. My speech was named, “Is there Life after Death?”. I am so extremely honoured to be shortlisted, and I want to thank everyone who has been there for me. My parents, my tutor, and even my friends, who poured in suggestion after suggestion after one text that I sent.
The writing was not as easy as I thought it would be. I faced doubts and difficulties, but my tutor's advice helped me overcome these obstacles. I realised that I didn't need to give a definite answer. This helped me focus on a balanced argument and included an educated guess at the end.
This competition has shaped me in different ways than I would have imagined. Becoming the writer that I am today, after this competition, was not completely a single bound but rather several small steps.
I love writing and this competition has made me realise that this is one thing that I could never let go of in my life.
Renee, LC3
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