The Spelling Bee has been one of my favorite activities for the past four years. I’ve always loved the mix of strategy, focus, and quick thinking it takes to outspell some really sharp opponents — it’s like a game of both memory and nerves.
 

I started competing individually in the SPBCN in 2021, and later that year, I was thrilled to be nominated to join my school’s ITSO (International Team Spelling Olympiad) team. Our group met every week for about an hour and a half to practice teamwork and competition strategies, plus another hour to study new vocabulary that might appear in contests.
 

Through those long hours of practice and friendly rivalry, I learned that spelling isn’t just about memorizing words — it’s about discipline, curiosity, and learning how to think under pressure.