Speech & Debate

All good things must come to end. One of the most enjoyable activities of my high school career has officially come to an end.

You know that you are a geek when you are sad to be done with traveling great distances, dressing in a suit, and giving speeches on a weekend. That's the geek I'm proud to be.

It kills me how little respect the Speech and Debate team gets at my school. Most people don't even know what we do let alone if what we do is really a high school curricular activity. In many ways, Speech and Debate is harder than a lot of sports. What my fellow competitors and I travel to do every weekend is one of the highest ranked phobias of our country. Granted, most of us don't have to test our physical being aside from staying awake due to little sleep the night before and keep our vocal cords in tip-top shape, but we do work hard.

I improved greatly over the past four years. I went from a scatter-brained girl who couldn't talk for three minutes, to a considerable threat to most of my competition. I was the 7th place finalist in Impromptu Speaking this year, and I am happy to say I earned it. I wasn't gifted with my talent, I had to work at it and hone it.

I know that sounds excruciatingly arrogant, but I believe it's true and feel no shame in proclaiming this achievement.

I was awarded with the Most Inspirational Speaker Award and the Bison Leadership Award. Both of those made my little heart melt. The first was voted on by my teammates and the latter was chosen by my coaches. I feel so honored that both parties considered me the right choice for the awards I was given.

Tonight has been bittersweet, but far more sweet than bitter.