Column: Starting from scratch — My decathlon challenges and triumphs

Los Angeles Times

14-03-2025

Academic competitions always seemed like exclusive clubs for the academically elite — an untouchable area I never imagined entering. But after stepping into the Decathlon, my perspective shifted. I realized that learning is not about scoring; it is about growth and discovering what you are truly capable of.
Now, I want to share my journey of founding a decathlon team at my school — the victories, the struggles, and the lessons that shaped me–so that others who are hesitant might find the courage to take that leap.
From scratch – The beginning
The State Director's intimidating figure filled my view as he reached out his hand. I bravely did the same, a relieved grin lifting the corners of my lips. As I walked out the door, knowing my club was finally approved, the County Coordinator commended me. At that moment, I knew I had done something that mattered. I had built something from nothing.
Yet, the journey would be far from easy. When I first pitched the idea of an Academic Decathlon team to my school's principal at Orange County School of the Arts, I was met with skepticism. 'Are students here even interested?' he asked. The reality was — I wasn't sure myself.
I had felt inspired to start the club after reading about its origins. The academic decathlon was founded in 1968 by Dr. Robert Peterson , a California teacher who wanted to encourage students of all backgrounds to learn and grow through competition. The first national championship took place in 1982, with teams required to have students of mixed A, B, and C averages so that everyone had the chance to excel in different areas like speech, math, and more.
Still, recruitment turned out to be one of my greatest challenges. Attending an arts-focused school meant that academic competitions were not a priority for most students. Trying to convince my peers to spend hours studying decathlon guides instead of rehearsing for a play or practicing their instruments felt impossible. It took months of relentless promotion, persuading students to give it a chance, and, yes — offering free pizza at meetings.
But I also had to inspire belief in my new teammates. I had to prove that this competition was not just about tests and scores but about growth, self-discovery, and pushing beyond our perceived limits.
The rewards: Triumphs that mattered more than medals
When we arrived at Westminster High School, this year's Orange County Academic Decathlon Competition site, I was in awe of the scene. I had only imagined competition day in my mind, but facing the actual competition was something totally different.
Every other team seemed larger, stronger, and more prepared. While our team had only six members, some schools had teams stretching up to thirty students. I saw huddles of students from other schools finalizing their preparation for the competition, some going over their speeches and some shouting their team chants out loud.
I was intimidated by the other teams and surprised by the bond they were able to build between each team member. Everyone knew each other well, while we barely got to know each other. I couldn't help but compare the other teams to mine; compared to them, my team seemed like a joke.
But that day, I watched my team rise to the challenge. I saw a quiet student confidently deliver a speech that moved the judges. I witnessed my teammates — who once doubted their abilities — excited to debate literature, history, and science with competitors from other schools. We weren't just competing; we were proving to ourselves that we were capable of more than we had ever imagined.
Redefining what it means to be 'smart'
A brief email from my adviser announcing the competition results caught me off guard. There, I saw my name listed among two other students from my decathlon team. Even after months of preparation, I hadn't expected to win. But three of us had all placed and won awards in the competition. I won six medals total: first in interview and music, second in literature and science, fourth in art, and fifth in social science.
At that moment, I saw my hard work pay off, from starting from scratch to triumphing at my first-ever academic decathlon competition. All of my assumptions and previous biases about academic competitions were shattered. I realized it wasn't just about memorizing facts, being the best in your class, or being the most gifted student. Technically, I wasn't the best or the most gifted–and yet, I had won.
Tips for future competitors and founders
To my future decathlon competitors and founders, here are my tips for finding your own success — no matter where you're starting from. Start early and stay organized!
Founding a club can feel overwhelming. Keep a to do list and try to check off one task each week. Don't be discouraged if you run into unknown obstacles. Keep trying.
2. Find fun ways to recruit members. Maybe with pizza.
Clubs are more fun with members. Don't be shy about doing outreach by offering food and snacks. Sometimes, new team members just need to feel welcomed.
3. Prepare, prepare, and prepare some more.
Take advantage of the academic decathlon website's study guides. They're really detailed and helpful, especially for unfamiliar subjects.
4. Uplift your team members with encouragement.
The competition is important, but so is making sure everyone on your team feels confident and prepared. Study in groups together!
5. Show up early on competition day
Show up early, pack snacks, and give yourself time to breathe. It can feel intimidating facing other bigger teams, but ultimately, everyone is there to learn.
Looking ahead: The true victory
I realize that the true victory wasn't in the medals or trophies, it was in the transformation. The Academic Decathlon didn't just test my knowledge; it reshaped my confidence, my resilience, and my belief in what's possible.
For those wondering if they should take the leap into an academic competition, my advice is simple: Just do it. Don't wait until you feel 'ready enough.' The truth is, you'll never feel fully prepared. But that's the beauty of the journey — learning, adapting and growing along the way.
The Academic Decathlon isn't just about what you know, it's about what you're willing to learn. And that, more than anything, is what makes it life-changing. Related