“I never thought I was learning things during my time competing in speech and debate. Still, I was unassumingly accumulating a series of skills that would sculpt me into a person of whom I am immensely proud. On a deeper level, however, speech and debate taught me to respect and engage advocacy on a deep level. Though I had never thought of myself as political, I learned the colossal impact a single person can have. I credit this activity with teaching me to love and fight for my own rights and for the rights of any who need it. We are living in a turbulent time, and we need more people to stand up for hope, compassion, and defiance of oppression. Because of this activity I am not alone, and I am not afraid.”
