This semester I decided to participate in the McConnell Center's debate society. I figured that since I enjoyed moot court so much last semester, I would feel the same about debate.
At the first meeting I realized that moot court and debate were quite different. I became frustrated, as debate challenged me to think in a way that I was not use to. With moot court I was able to plan everything I wanted to say, I could anticipate questions, and I was able to practice before the competition. With everything else in my life I am a planner, I do not like not knowing.
At the first debate meeting I realized I had no way to plan. I could write my side, but I would have to think on my feet having no idea what my opponent would argue. For most of the semester, I dreaded debate meetings. I wasn't catching on and felt completely lost. However, I kept at it. When the tournament arrived I was terrified. I did not want to debate in front of professors as I still was having trouble arguing.
The first round went much better than I expected, and I became much more confident. Winning the first round of the competition put me up against Charlie, the reigning champ, for the second round. Any confidence I had from the first round was gone. I believed I was going to be crushed. I planned out my argument and hoped for the best. I came out feeling very proud of myself. Even though I didn't win the round, I felt that I had held my own. My perception of debate completely changed and by the end I was even enjoying myself. Debate forced me to think on my feet and go outside my comfort zone.
At the first meeting I realized that moot court and debate were quite different. I became frustrated, as debate challenged me to think in a way that I was not use to. With moot court I was able to plan everything I wanted to say, I could anticipate questions, and I was able to practice before the competition. With everything else in my life I am a planner, I do not like not knowing.
At the first debate meeting I realized I had no way to plan. I could write my side, but I would have to think on my feet having no idea what my opponent would argue. For most of the semester, I dreaded debate meetings. I wasn't catching on and felt completely lost. However, I kept at it. When the tournament arrived I was terrified. I did not want to debate in front of professors as I still was having trouble arguing.
The first round went much better than I expected, and I became much more confident. Winning the first round of the competition put me up against Charlie, the reigning champ, for the second round. Any confidence I had from the first round was gone. I believed I was going to be crushed. I planned out my argument and hoped for the best. I came out feeling very proud of myself. Even though I didn't win the round, I felt that I had held my own. My perception of debate completely changed and by the end I was even enjoying myself. Debate forced me to think on my feet and go outside my comfort zone.