Tell Me Everything

June paced back and forth in the half-empty lecture hall. Her black shiny, patent shoes stepping on the varnished chestnut wood, and the index cards shaking nervously in her hands. She had been researching and rehearsing her debate for almost two weeks, but now that she had to speak in front of the judges, she suddenly felt overcome with nerves.

I can do this, she told herself.

Professor Hao, his assistant and several other professors sat, waiting to hear her present her debate for the competition, while five other students from other courses watched.

"Okay June, just breathe and relax. The most important thing is to look confident and justified in what you say," Professor Hao said encouragingly.

"Right.." she replied in a shaky voice, looking over her notes.

She stood in the center, behind a podium wearing a short sleeved white shirt and a high-waisted black skirt. Her long hair tied in a high ponytail, and her pale face flushed slightly pink, aware of the many eyes on her.