Every year in the Speech and Debate World there are new relationships formed. Who would have thought during a Covid year or this season this could or would still happen? I am oh so happy it did!! You see, we say it’s not just about the competition, I truly hope you get that! Logan does…
And just like that, it was over. The poetic beauty of my first and last tournaments ever being at PHC is not lost on me. 6 events. 15 tournaments. 44 days of competition. 86 debates. 115 speeches. Countless memories. Invaluable friends. I might’ve gotten some awards along the way. That’s not important. That’s not why I did this. Here’s what I did get:
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Friendship. Friends that’ll last the rest of my life, and there are too many to list everyone here. Just know if you ever said something to you me in the hallway before a speech, in the hangout, or any other time during the tournament you’ve made an impact on my life and shown why the Speech and Debate community is so great.
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Knowledge. If you asked me 4 years ago if I know anything about the EU’s migration crisis, the USA’s terrorism or energy policy, the answer would’ve been no. If you asked me what stuxnet was I’d have no clue. Now if you bring up those ares I hope you brought a comfortable chair because I’ll be able to talk for hours. The knowledge I’ve gained is extensive on a few areas, but that’s no really the big takeaway. The reason I have this knowledge my next point.
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Research skills. I’ve gotten very good at researching and developed a love for researching and learning. I’ve also learned that you can find someone with impressive, credentials to back just about any position you want. I love research, and I’ve become great at it, which helps translate to all aspects of life.
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Speaking skills. Okay so maybe having 2 minutes to think of and present a 5 minute speech means that you slacked in real life, but in the off chance that happens I’ll be ready! But in the much more likely event I’ve prepared, I have the ability to present well. I have the vocabulary, the delivery, and the ability to control a room. In an interview or argument I have the ability to listen and think of a persuasive response while reading something and be able to efficiently do all three at once while taking notes.
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Apologetics. This is its own separate category because it’s so important. What I learned about my faith and how to defend it is priceless. I would’ve never thought of some of the questions we covered, much less me able to answer it nor would I have been able to come to as compelling a reason without apol club.
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And here we are at the end. I’ve taken 4 days to post this to have time to reflect. And after 3 years in this league, my placing don’t matter. How many tournaments I won or didn’t win doesn’t matter. The qualifications the last three years to regionals and this year to nationals only matters insomuch as it gave me another tournament to refine my skills and grow in my friendships. The accolades don’t matter, and that bag of all the medals I got this season is currently stuffed somewhere in my closet. But the moments, the memories, and the people that helped me get through ties experience, they’re what counts. Goodbye NCFCA, you will be missed.
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“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” – 1 Peter 3:15
(I’ll never forget @logos club verse)