DVBS Archive Team   

Written by: Nuoyan Wang (Class of 2021)

Video by: Chee Hee Seng (12th)

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Inherent wisdom is embedded within each and every one of us. Although we do not realize, our wisdom is, in fact, able to unveil itself through practice. This was the basis on which the Inherent Wisdom Public Speaking Assembly was created. After weeks of preparation, students from both the boys and girls division put in considerable time and effort－preparing stories and subjects to present before for the assembly.

The assembly occurred on October 26th, 2018.

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Each volunteer was to select between three topics they had drawn from a lucky hat, in which numerous prompts regarding education and core virtues were placed. They were then allowed approximately 3 minutes to prepare a timed speech－extending anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes－in response to the prompt. Judges were to asked give, from 1 to 10, three scores based on evaluation of content, organization, and presentation. 

Directed by emcees Alston Liu (9th) and Sam Yap (9th), the volunteers presented their respective speeches, revealing the inherent nature found in each and every one of them.

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     It was a great pleasure to take part as one of the judges for the public speaking event of the Developing Virtue schools. Heartwarming as it was to see the two schools joined together in honor of the Venerable Master’s centennial, the topics of the speeches were also chosen to reflect the legacy of his vision in education. As a person who has been working in the higher education sector of the legacy – Dharma Realm Buddhist University – it was wonderful to see the consistency of the spirit in educating the whole person reflected in each and every one of the participants. 
     Each contestant had very little time to prepare for the talk and interestingly enough, you can see they were all trained with two distinct methods of delivery. As a judge, I admire their audacity in undertaking such a challenge and put themselves out there. Given the choice, most adults will not be willing to speak publicly, not to mention participating in a public speaking contest. Still, the gradings (at least from me) was strict, only because this is a precious opportunity to learn and improve even further!  
     Best wishes to all the participants of the event, all of you have done a fabulous job. Hope you all can keep the effort going and I look forward to the next public speaking event! 

-Public Speaking Judge Angela Morelli

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When I was first asked to participate in judging this competition, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. This would be a good test to see if the boys and girls school students have developed an understanding for what Venerable Master Hua’s vision for education is and if it had been successful. What a nerve-racking experience for the teachers! Overall, I was very impressed by many of the students public speaking skills and their ability to improvise. What really stood out was every student always brought their speech back to the 8 core virtues and the 6 guiding principles of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. No matter what quote they had to speak to, they always managed to tie it back to these principles. In my humble opinion, if these students can continue to do what they did in their speeches and bring their minds back to these 8 core virtues and 6 guiding principles, they will each go on to do tremendously good things for the world.  Being a DRBU student who is about to graduate next year, I struggle with the doubt, “‘Can I really uphold what I have learned throughout these four years after I leave CTTB?” I think we each have a lot to learn from the students in the boys and girls school. I hope that there will be more opportunities for them to share their insights in the future.   

-Public Speaking Judge Alex Wang

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Contestants:

• San Hong Lew
• Siyan Chan
• Nuoyan Wang
• Heidi Blythe
• Chee Hee Seng
• Audrey Chan
• Kyle Doan
• Iris Ng
• Marvin Wang
• An Nguyen
• Nina Xie
• Tammy Long 

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Thank you judges Justin Hau, Angela Morelli, Alex Wang, and Lauren Baush, as well as the contestants of both schools for volunteering to participate. Special thanks to Mr. Justin Hu and Dharma Master Jin Jr for organizing and coordinating this event!

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   DVBS Archive Team   

January 8, 2018