2004 SECOND PLACE WINNER
What I Learned in PSALT
Maggie Bowles

I believe that one of the most important skills a person can learn in life is how to speak in public and do it eloquently. Through the PSALT program I have learned how to do this and so much more. PSALT has helped me become more confident in my speaking skills. This aspect alone of my learning has helped me a great deal, even outside of speech and debate. I am one of the head youth leaders in my growing youth group and have become the coordinator of the "School of Leaders" which also entails a great deal of teaching in a classroom setting. I honestly do not think that any of this would have been possible without the teaching, guidance, and skills that I have learned in PSALT.

Throughout these past four semesters I have also learned how to write and deliver and speech properly which is also an important skill that can be used in almost any aspect of daily life. Whether doing homework, participating in a tournament, or merely sharing your testimony effectively with a friend.

PSALT has also improved my thinking skills, believe it or not. Learning how to think quick on your feet is something you cannot go without in debate. I employed these skills just this morning in a job interview. I was sitting at a table across from my potential future boss and all of a sudden she hands me the pen she's been writing with and says "sell this to me". I immediately remembered all the times we did impromptu sales, and I knew exactly what to do. The lady was so impressed and said that was the best job she had ever had anyone do.

Before I had taken any of these classes I would not have known what to do with myself if that had happened. These lessons that I have learned will further my success in the future no matter what course of study I pursue and not matter what I am faced with in daily life. PSALT (Kristina, Ron, and everyone else who willingly volunteers their time and energy) has been a blessing to me in more ways than you know. Thank you.