JP Lemire competed in Speech and Debate for three years. I came across his story on Facebook. I was drawn in immediately with his humility and Godly manner that he decided to have with his disappointment… The disappointment can come at a Qualifier, Regionals, or even a National Championship.
Where do I even begin.
Brace yourselves, the “I’m-done-with-NCFCA-and-I-need-to-share-about-it”…
For the past three years, I have been blessed to compete with so many awesome, wonderful, Godly people in the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association. I would have never become the man I am today had I not competed in Speech and Debate.
Unfortunately, my career in Speech and Debate came to an end this past weekend at the Regional Tournament in Germantown,Tennessee. I did not qualify to the national tournament. When I knew that it was all over, I had to force myself to not breakdown. I wanted to pitch a fit so badly. It was one of the most difficult things I ever had to do. But I had to hold my head high; I had to encourage everyone else. I came so close to just wanting to leave the awards ceremony all together…but I stayed, and I’m really glad I did.
Because in the end, I never really cared about some dumb trophy or medal.
I cared about my friends.
I cared more about the people who had become my family over the course of my High School life. The ones who encouraged me, made me laugh, made me challenge myself to constantly improve, listened to me when I was at my most vulnerable, and helped me work through my struggles.
That’s what mattered to me; more than winning a tournament or qualifying to Nationals.
See you later NCFCA Family!
This is not the end of JP’s journey. It is only the beginning! JP plans on attending the Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama in the fall. He is thankful for all the skills he developed through Speech and Debate, and the life long friendships he will have for the rest of his life.
No one’s “Speech Journey” is truly ever over. Just because you may not have made it to a National Championship, doesn’t mean God is done with you! It may mean you no longer will be competing Speech and Debate… And that’s exciting! Take with you the lessons learned, the triumphs, the loss’… These were all little lessons to help prepare you for an even bigger Journey! Go forth and conquer!