Nina Balac is proving that confidence and dedication can take you far, even at just 11 years old.
This weekend, the young Cochranite will take the stage in Strathmore to compete in the Calgary Regional 4-H Communications event.
Nina has earned her spot by winning at multiple levels, starting with her club and then moving on to area and district competitions.
Competing in the junior category, Nina will have her four-minute speech judged for content, delivery, and timing.
"Your speech has to be three to five minutes long," she says. "If it's too long or too short, you get a time fault."
She uses cue cards with small notes to help guide her speech, but she leaves room for improvisation.
"I kind of wing it too, because I have to add little details to make sure my speech isn't too short."
Her speech topic? Babysitting.
"I took my babysitting course this year, and I’m really excited to be a babysitter," she says.
Public speaking goes hand in hand with another one of her passions: singing.
"Because I have the confidence to go on stage and sing, I also have pretty good confidence to go on stage and talk."
Outside of 4-H, she spends her time performing at venues like the Shire Pub.
That confidence has helped her excel. She currently serves as her club’s president for the second year in a row.
"At the very start of the 4-H year, we do a vote," she explains.
"Sometimes you have to go up against somebody in a speak-off."
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While junior competitors cannot advance beyond the regional level this year, Nina’s proud of how far she has come.
She also participates in 4-H canine activities with her Bichon Shih Tzu, Milo.
"We do agility, showmanship, and something called Good Neighbour," she says. "It’s a challenge where dogs have to go through a course without sniffing or touching objects."
As she prepares for Saturday’s competition, Nina is focused on doing her best and having fun.
"I don’t know what will happen, but I’m excited."