K-Kid Rachel Clayton's blog 
from International Convention

 

K-Kid Rachel Clayton addresses the First House of Delegates Wednesday.

THURSDAY, JULY 5

I did it! I finally read my speech in front of all those people without fainting or anything. It felt great. Before I went on, when they were voting on the amendments, I got to talking to some people and we had a great time. Shavani and Alec, the presidents of Key Club and Circle K, and I talked and laughed a lot together. Time flew by and before I knew it I was about to go on. I was so nervous I thought I would forget my speech when my cue came. At first I felt embarrassed and awkward, and with all the echos that came out of the mike I thought I sounded weird. Soon though I became comfortable and I put all my efforts into my speech. When I was done, to my amazement, I got a standing ovation! Just like I’d imagined while practicing, only I never thought it would actually happen! 

When the convention ended they presented me with my trophy, a glass globe with my name on the base. I really liked it and my parents were really proud. Then as we were leaving, people came up to me to shake my hand and congratulate me and tell me how much they liked my speech. I also was congratulated by people at my hotel, on the elevator, and even on the street. I felt like a celebrity. 

It was such a great experience and I enjoyed it a lot. It will be a long time before the excitement of this dies down, and I will always remember it. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

I like flying. I don’t know why, it’s just kind of exciting. I was pretty tired of it though after 5 HOURS from Philadelphia to Dallas to San Antonio. Also, due to a 2 hour delay in Dallas because of thunderstorms, we got in late and I wanted to do was fall into bed and sleep. 

The next morning I started to get that queasy nervous feeling in my stomach when my Dad and I stepped onto the elevator of our hotel. Nothing had even happened, and I was already freaking out. After a quick breakfast, we met up with Ms. Warren and headed to the convention center to practice. Everyone was friendly and practice went smoothly. We did run into one little problem, though. I had forgotten my glasses, which I need for distance, and I couldn’t read the teleprompter. Luckily, they were able to enlarge the font on the teleprompter and I found I had most of my speech memorized. Now it’s a little before 1pm and as I’m getting ready I find I’m not nearly as nervous as I thought I would be. There is still the little fact that there will be 5,500 people. All watching me. Oh boy. 

Well, it’s just about time to go and give my speech. Wish me luck!




TUESDAY, JULY 2

By garnering first-place honors in this past year’s K-Kids speech contest, Rachel Clayton earned the title of K-Kids ambassador to this year’s International convention in San Antonio. Here is the first of her daily postings about her experiences. This one was written prior to her departure to San Antonio.

“Thank you,” I said to my mirror, blowing kisses and smiling as I imagined thunderous clapping and roses being tossed up toward me. I had just finished practicing my K-Kids speech for about the millionth time. I practically had it memorized. To keep my practices lively, I imagine different endings or different audiences each time I practice. I suppose my brothers in the next room must think I’m a total nut. 

When I first heard I won, of course I was excited, but it didn’t really hit me until recently. I have a new suit, a well-practiced speech, and nervousness and enthusiasm that are off the charts. This is a great opportunity and I can’t wait, but I’m afraid I’ll embarrass myself. I just have to trust the feeling everything will fall into place. 

Luckily with giving my speech, writing these blogs and site-seeing the Alamo and other historic places, I’ll be too busy having fun to worry. I guess I should practice my speech again. Maybe this time I’ll imagine a standing ovation at the end.