And another door closes…
It’s hard to describe how I am feeling right now. Words like “sadness,” “happiness” , or “nostalgia” don’t tell the full story.
But if I try my best to articulate my emotions, knowing that my Speech & Debate career has ended feels like a gaping hole has just appeared in my life. Previously, that void was filled by putting on a suit, playing games of Ride That Pony, being a douche in debate rounds, going to post-tournament team dinners, writing blocks into the early morning hours, making friends from other schools, feeling the adrenaline rush of performing during speech rounds, complaining to my teammates about other speeches, imitating good speeches I saw, imitating bad speeches I saw, organizing a 70-person dinner, giving pep talks, cheering for friends at awards, watching my mentees blossom, being a member of Arcadia Speech & Debate….the list could go on for pages…
But suddenly, this amazing world has vanished.
In the past three years, Speech & Debate has completely changed my life. It has opened the window to so many opportunities (like Mock Trial) and friendships (almost all of my closest friends are Speech & Debate people). For enriching my life, creating unforgettable memories, and making me a better person, I am forever grateful.
It is incredibly difficult to imagine what my life will be like without Speech & Debate. But I know that everything that I have gained from Speech & Debate will stay with me forever- everything from being articulate, to dealing with failure, to learning leadership, to being a team player… and although I will not be an official member of a Speech & Debate team, I will continue to emulate aspects of this activity for as long as I’ll live.
Thank you Speech & Debate for everything you have done for me. It has truly been a spectacular journey.
As for that gaping hole in my life, it is waiting to be filled. There is so much more out there to learn and discover, and I’m ready and excited for that next door to open :)
