The World Scholar’s Cup

When I just started out in the World Scholar's Cup, I was a bumbling mess of nervousness and stutters. Nevertheless, I was excited to start out on my journey in this competition, and I never thought that I would be able to witness Global Jaya succeed in sending six junior teams and five senior teams of three members each to compete in the Melbourne Global Round. This season, I got to watch nervous first-time scholars find both confidence and success in a fun, emotional ride.

In the World Scholars Cup, students compete in the categories of debate, writing, a challenge with multiple- choice questions, and a team bowl. While enduring the cold Melbourne air, members of Global Jaya's WSC team exchanged arguments and rebuttals with contestants from all around the world. Discussions occurred on topics spanning from the history of diplomacy to the study of black markets. Accompanied by their newfound stuffed alpaca friends, our scholars laughed and cheered at the questions they got right as a team during the scholar's bowl.

This year's Global Round not only offered us an opportunity to compete on a global scale, but also to experience Melbourne itself. From the seniors' Melbourne University visit to the juniors' visit to Melbourne's Museum of Modern Art, students got to see for themselves the city and what it has to offer, resulting in a valuable experience of learning and discovery. Scholars also got to make friends with people from many other countries during social events such as the scholar's scavenge and scholar's ball.

The awards ceremony recognised the many achievements of our members. Hard work paid off in the form of happy tears and countless medals, while promises to return and succeed the next year were made by those who didn't qualify. All in all, the Melbourne Global Round experience was one that introduced many of us to new friends and memories that will be cherished for a long time.