The Question Master

A while back, I was asked to be a judge at a Provincial-Level speech competition. That competition took place towards the end of December. I traveled to Kaifeng, expecting to judge. However, when I arrived, they told me that I was no longer going to be a judge, but instead I would be the question master. Dun Dun Dun.

Every contestant would give a prepared speech, and then an impromptu speech. I would need to ask each contestant one question after their impromptu speech. I was able to see the questions the night before, and wrote most of my follow-up questions then.

The whole weekend was interesting. I traveled with the other judges and formed some unique friendships. Here I am pictured with two of the judges:

I had the most exciting conversation with one of the judges. He asked me where I am from, and I replied, "Texas." When I say "Texas", to a someone here, the two most common responses I get are either, "Oh, that is where George Bush is from," or "Oh, that is where Sheldon (big bang theory) is from!" The first thing this man said, however, was "Oh, have you heard of a place called Lubbock?"

Squeal of excitement from me!!!!!!

Yes, I've heard of Lubbock! That is my home!!

He goes on to explain that his son is studying there, and we talk about Lubbock for the next hour. Small world. Big Father.

At the end of the competition, I was asked, once again, to give a speech. I've learned to be expecting this, so I had something prepared. It is a little bit intimidating giving a speech at a speech competition, but I felt confident.  The Father must be preparing me for something with all the speeches I'm having to give while living here.

My seat, front and center, with the microphone. Sometimes, I step back and say, "Is this really my life?"

To top it all off, I received a free ride to the airport to pick up my sister, and a free ride back to campus. The Father is good!

The winners!!