Highlighting My Proud Wins: Competitions that Shaped My Life
Throughout my life, I have been passionate about winning different kinds of competitions across various fields. These victories have been a significant part of my journey, from childhood to my professional life. Here are some of the memorable wins that stand out the most.
Spell Bee Victory
One of the most memorable wins came during my preparation for the Certified Accountant (CA) exam. Instead of attending a traditional college, I chose to home study and did not engage much socially. My cousin encouraged me to visit a traditional club in Chennai, where impromptu competitions were held for anyone to join and win prizes. Among various activities such as fastest fingers, paint your life, crossword, and jigsaw puzzles, the Spell Bee event caught my eye. Despite being in a corner with only a few competitors, my cousin managed to drag me over. To my surprise, I beat eight participants and won a Scrabble kit. This win was so thrilling and exciting that I now frequently organize spell bees for children, as I believe it has tremendous long-term benefits.
Music Scholarship to College
Another pivotal win was when I was awarded a music scholarship to college. This recognition was a testament to my musical talents and dedication. Though not as memorable as the other wins, it opened up new doors and opportunities for my future career and personal life.
Drugstore Contest and Funniest Joke in Estonia
During a period between jobs, I came across an intriguing online competition for the “funniest joke in Estonia”. This contest allowed entries in both English and Estonian as long as they highlighted something truthful about Estonia. As I was between jobs, I decided to participate. One of my jokes ended up winning, and to this day, my in-laws still quote it with admiration. Being crowned the "Author of the Funniest Joke in Estonia" is a title I would not hesitate to put on a business card if I had one.
Bowling League Triumph
Perhaps one of the most meaningful wins came from a bowling league experience. When I was around 14, I worked extremely hard to improve my bowling game, ultimately achieving the High Game, High Series, and Team in first place, partially owing to the handicap I started with. By the time the final game was about to begin, a friend on the opposing team was delayed and could not start on time. They asked if he could make up the missed game despite being late. I agreed, and it turned out he outperformed my high game by 38 points and my series by a few points, helping his team win the series and the season.
At the award ceremony, I congratulated him on his trophies, expecting to receive none. To my surprise, I won the "Most Improved" trophy, earning a significant 60-point improvement, placing second in three other categories where no trophies were awarded. I felt prouder of finishing second and inspiring others in the league to also improve. This win motivated me to follow the guidance of Pro Bowlers/Instructors Dick Weber and Don Carter, and I learned to practice endurance bowling and adapt to changes in oiling patterns on the lanes.
One of the bowlers I worked with was a master at oiling the lanes and often bet on his ability to hit a perfect 300. On one occasion, he bet a man that he could hit a 300 the next morning. He prepared the alley the night before with a specific oil pattern and the next morning laid down a perfect 300, winning the 100 bet.
These wins have not only brought joy and recognition but have also taught me valuable lessons about determination, integrity, and mentorship. I hope to continue sharing these experiences and the knowledge I have gained through these competitions with others.