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In November of 2013, I joined the Speech and Debate Team. Since then, I have been challenged both physically and mentally like never before. Many think of a speech and debate team as a group of people that love to talk and argue.
In November of 2013, I joined the Speech and Debate Team. Since then, I have been challenged both physically and mentally like never before. Many think of a speech and debate team as a group of people that love to talk and argue.
That is right, in a way, but we are much more than that. The Speech and Debate Team consists of the Debate Council and our national organization, Pi Kappa Delta. During the course of the year, we travel near and far to compete in debates and individual events. In fact, my first semester on the team, I flew to three different states - California, Indiana, and Missouri - in 3 months.
Not only am I developing skills required in any field, but I’m also traveling and having fun. One of things I love most about competing with the Forensics Team is meeting amazing people that I will never forget. I’ve met people with stories that you only see on TV, such as poverty, homelessness, and abuse. You just never know who you are going to run into. Many people have even met their spouses through the club. It’s such a humbling experience to be encouraged and supported by your teammates, coaches, judges, and competitors.
Though fun would be a word to describe the Forensics Team, there is much work needed to achieve it. Putting together pieces, cutting, memorizing, and practicing take a lot of time. Balancing school, work, and Forensics activities can be extremely difficult, but the reward of this once-in-a-lifetime experience is worth it. Winning challenges you to remain on top. Losing challenges you to get to the top. What you take from this opportunity depends solely on you.
Though fun would be a word to describe the Forensics Team, there is much work needed to achieve it. Putting together pieces, cutting, memorizing, and practicing take a lot of time. Balancing school, work, and Forensics activities can be extremely difficult, but the reward of this once-in-a-lifetime experience is worth it. Winning challenges you to remain on top. Losing challenges you to get to the top. What you take from this opportunity depends solely on you.
Personally, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Crystal Leday is a member of the speech and debate club as well as a Mass Communication major. Contact her at msucontraband@gmail.com
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