Although most of my website is dedicated to my presence in the community, most of my Fridays and Saturdays are spent at high schools all over the country because of my involvement in Speech and Debate. Every since I was four years old, I've dreamt of being the President of the United States, and my interest in government and politics has only grown since then. I've been able to meet so many unique, politically aware, opinionated young individuals like myself, and have grown in so many aspects because of debate. Not only have I learned how to be a more refined speaker, and voice my opinion in a diplomatic manner, I have also grown inwardly. I've gained self confidence, and a newfound sense of joy when I'm speaking in front of a crowd (by the way, fear of public speaking, or Glossophobia, is still the most feared activity, ranking even higher than Necrophobia, or fear of death). Speech and Debate has changed my life forever, and the memories and experiences I've gained from it are invaluable! This weekend, I competed at my last "local" high school debate tournament at Lamar High School in Houston, Texas. It was a melancholy weekend for me. I finally realized that I will be graduating from high school in 125 days, and that I'll no longer be able to spend my weekends in debate rounds... Sad stuff aside, I ended my local debate career well, earning trophies in all three events that I competed in this weekend- Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, and Lincoln Douglas Debate!
Now for some very important thank-you's:
To my parents, thank you for the tremendous opportunities that you've allowed me to experience. Whether it was moving me to a different school so that I could continue doing what I love, or paying for all of my expenses, your support has been unconditional. Thank you both for everything, I love y'all so much. To the entire Northland Debate family, and my coaches, Courtney Coffman and Paul Gravley, thank you for welcoming me into the Northland debate family with open arms. I'm so blessed that I had the chance to be a part of such an amazing team, and will be forever thankful for all of the amazing opportunities you've given me. And last but not least, I'm extremely thankful for the incredible friends I've been able to make throughout my years in this activity--every single one of you has made a lasting impact on me.
[Thankfully, my high school debate career is not completely over!! I still have yet to compete at the Cal Invitational tournament, hosted by the University of California Berkeley, the Texas State tournament, and hopefully, Speech and Debate Nationals!]
xoxo
Your diva, Diya
Now for some very important thank-you's:
To my parents, thank you for the tremendous opportunities that you've allowed me to experience. Whether it was moving me to a different school so that I could continue doing what I love, or paying for all of my expenses, your support has been unconditional. Thank you both for everything, I love y'all so much. To the entire Northland Debate family, and my coaches, Courtney Coffman and Paul Gravley, thank you for welcoming me into the Northland debate family with open arms. I'm so blessed that I had the chance to be a part of such an amazing team, and will be forever thankful for all of the amazing opportunities you've given me. And last but not least, I'm extremely thankful for the incredible friends I've been able to make throughout my years in this activity--every single one of you has made a lasting impact on me.
[Thankfully, my high school debate career is not completely over!! I still have yet to compete at the Cal Invitational tournament, hosted by the University of California Berkeley, the Texas State tournament, and hopefully, Speech and Debate Nationals!]
xoxo
Your diva, Diya