It is November eighth, two thousand seventeen. My speech journey came to an end what seems like forever ago. I started this blog at the end of my freshman year, shortly after I fell in love with the joy of competing. Since then, I've seen victories and losses. I've had fits of laughter and choked back tears, tears so pressing that one day, that was all I was. Nothing more. But I'm not here three years later to talk about things that cannot be changed, like hours I should've practiced, or boys I shouldn't have cared about. They say everything happens for a reason, and I'm not one to question fate. Not one piece of my speech career was a mistake. And I know this because there are feelings that I cannot shake to this day.

When you come to college, if you come to college, give yourself an option. That's the only thing I can hope that you do. Because there are days when you'll wake up 2,406 miles away from home, where everything seems sane, and you'll wonder what the hell you're doing. You'll probably even wonder who you are these days. They say that college is a good place to find yourself, but I say, pace yourself. Go ahead and leave everything behind for a shot at whatever you want your life to look like 13 years from now, and once you make up your mind, don't turn back. But keep a little something in your pocket to help you get through the 9 am lectures, something small to remind you of who you used to be, who you are.

Be mindful of what you choose. Never settle for second-rate. You want something that makes your happiness almost tangible. You want something worthwhile that will leave you singing show tunes in your shower at the crack of dawn. You want something that you love unconditionally, even in ten degree weather, even when you fail. You want something that makes you feel worthwhile. And when you find that thing, tie it up with rope, lock it in your basement, and don't you dare let it go. Because that feeling is what stitches up all the small holes in our hearts.

And I'll admit that today, I still chase speech boys that I used to eye my freshman year, but maybe that's what keeps me going, just a taste of the real thing. This isn't some cheesy love note to speech and debate, a cry for help, or me wishing for a redo. This is just me admitting that I haven't found my thing out here in sunny southern California. One day, though. I left my constant in Ohio, where all of my friends and most of my family are. And it goes on without me. Maybe we'll meet again, and maybe we won't for a realllly long time. But that's a pill that I'm not ready to swallow; it's like another metaphor for growing up.

All the best,

Jala

  Ahhhhhh. The time is coming!!!! The stress is upon us, and new suits have been purchased. Honestly you guys, I am so excited for this season. A new speech, new friends, and more trophies! Things may be a little different this year and there's so many people that have went their separate ways to be alllll successful and stuff. So make sure you guys are prepared!! Watch videos, but be original! Be confident, but never cocky. Be professional but most of all, have fun! Cause one day, your speech days will come to an end.

If you're ever thinking about watching something, 'Never Swim Alone' from NSDA Duo finals is the chiz! I don't understand how you duoers do it. Synchronization is like the best thing in that category. So 'Cut through the water to get to the point' of amazing interp...and cute boys. Very cute boys.

Just like the 3p guys say, looking for cuts is hard! Last year I was handed a piece, I read it, I liked it, and by the end of the season I was tired of it which should be normal  Unless you're one of those people that like endless repetition. Or maybe you just like your piece that much...Well I know that there's no such thing as 'The Perfect Piece', but I havent even found something that I like. Thats how sucky some of the samples are. But hopefully, mu coach has pulled a few things. But for now, I guess the hunt is on. I mean I've been asked twice what I'm gonna do this year. And the answer is always the same. So, if you're on the same road as me, or just on a team in general, Good Luck! We're gonna need it.

See, you have to get some of your competitors' signatures or write to them, or even get a picture with them because one day they might be famous. And I would not wanna miss out on meeting a famous person...especially if they were in speech. Lol.

One thing I've learned as a person from an amazing humor that just graduated, is that life would be so much easier if there was no guessing and you just told someone you liked them straight up. If you think someone is cute, just tell them. If you want to do something completely out of your 'uze', do it! Its better to make a mistake that you can look back to and think of how stupid you were, than to just miss out on life. You never know when you'll be gone.

Ok, so the Jala expectations while performing in HI or Duo or whatever

P-Professionalism
E-Enunciation
R-Realness (Believability)
F-Fun
E-Eye Contact
C-Confidence
T-Timing

P-Precision
A-Audience Usage
C-Crisp Pops and Movements

F-Feeling

P-Poise

See, you'll notice that if you put a 'K' after PAC and an 'O' before the 'F' in Feeling, you'll get "Perfect Pack Of P' but in this case, we don't need the 'OK' becayse speechies are never just OK. Leaving us with Perfect Pac F P. Remember it. Live it. breathe it. Perform by it!