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Feature
Laurence’s Time to Shine
L. M. Craddock
Laurence drummed his fingers on the wall. He wiped his sweaty palms on his pants and took off his jacket. Even though Laurence had practiced his speech for days, he was still nervous about speaking in front of the entire school. Laurence was accepting an award from his school for his leadership skills and had to give a speech. He was not used to speaking in front of crowds and was moving nervously as he thought about going on stage. Laurence put his hand into his pocket and felt something cold and round.
“My penny!” Laurence yelled as he pulled a coin from his pocket.
In all the excitement of the morning, Laurence had forgotten about his lucky penny that Aunt Ruby had given him. Aunt Ruby had visited Laurence’s house about a month earlier. She was an amazing role model for Laurence—she worked as the vice president of a large nonprofit company. Aunt Ruby’s job intrigued Laurence, and he always asked her questions about it when they talked.
Laurence was especially interested in Aunt Ruby’s ability to talk to people and in front of crowds. As part of her job, Aunt Ruby had to speak to government officials, business owners, and strangers. Laurence had seen her talk to many different people. She was always outgoing, interesting, and kind. Laurence wished he could speak in front of others as confidently as his aunt did. When Laurence had to speak in front of his class at the beginning of the school year, he became very nervous and stumbled over his words. A few weeks later, Aunt Ruby visited, and Laurence told her the entire story.
“I’m sure you’ve never had a problem like that, Aunt Ruby,” said Laurence.
“Oh no, Laurence. I used to struggle speaking in front of people! When I was your age, I was shy and couldn’t speak in front of more than three or four people,” she said.
Laurence was shocked! He couldn’t imagine his aunt, who was always so outgoing and cheerful, being afraid of speaking in front of others. But Aunt Ruby explained that she started to overcome her fear of speaking in front of others when she went to college. She had to give a presentation on the third day of class and was very nervous.
“I walked to class with my head down. I was thinking about my presentation and not paying much attention. Then, I spotted something shiny on the ground. I bent over and picked it up. It was a brand new, shiny penny. I had always heard that finding a penny was good luck. I don’t really believe in those things, but I thought I would give it a try anyway. I picked up the penny and went to class. When I entered the classroom, the teacher announced that I would be speaking first. Even though my knees were shaking, I stood in front of the class and gave a great speech! My teacher and my classmates enjoyed it. I was convinced that the lucky penny had helped me. So, I’ve kept that penny all these years,” Aunt Ruby said.
She pulled out an old penny from a small pocket in her purse. Aunt Ruby handed the penny to Laurence.
“Now you can take it! I hope it helps you the next time you have to speak in front of others. Just remember, with or without the penny, you have all you need inside yourself. You’ll shine like the star I know you are,” she said.
Laurence’s thoughts returned to the present. He held the penny between his fingers and looked out on the stage. The principal would be calling him to speak at any moment. “I wish Aunt Ruby was with me now to help me get through this,” he said to himself. “But, she was right. I can do this speech!”
Laurence heard the principal call his name, and the crowd started clapping. It was time! Laurence ran his fingers through his curly hair and took a deep breath. He held on to the penny and walked out on stage.Which statement most accurately summarizes the story?
Responses
A A boy is afraid of speaking, and his aunt tells him a story.A boy is afraid of speaking, and his aunt tells him a story.
B A woman helps a boy to get over his fear of public speaking.A woman helps a boy to get over his fear of public speaking.
C A boy is afraid of speaking, but he has to learn to conquer his fears.A boy is afraid of speaking, but he has to learn to conquer his fears.
D A woman helps a boy to understand that his fear of public speaking doesn't make him a lesser person.