Throughout high school, I participated on the speech and debate team. I competed in the event called Original Oratory. In this event, I chose a topic, researched said topic, wrote a 10 minute speech, memorized this speech, and preformed it. I gained so much from doing this activity. I learned how to research and write arguments. I also saw this as a platform to discuss issues affecting my community because many other high school student, parents, teachers, and community members saw these speeches. I chose to write on the lack of helpful and factual sex education in the U.S., the importance of using one’s righteous anger to make meaningful social change, and depression in adolescents. Most importantly, I learned to value my own opinions, thoughts, and efforts. My favorite moments by far in doing this activity were when fellow competitors or other audience members would come up to me and tell me that what I said helped them or resonated with them. This summer I was lucky enough to be able to compete at the National Speech and Debate Tournament. It was an amazing experience to see so many teens being advocates for issues larger than themselves. My competitors ribbon not only reminds me of all my experiences in speech, but also that I was a part of those teens speaking out.

About a year ago, my dad gave me this coin that he had had for a while. On one side it says “Do it!” and on the other it said “Don’t do it!”. When he gave it to me he said that hopefully this would help me worry a little less because sometimes life is a crapshoot, and it might just be better to flip for it. My dad and I are extremely a like in a lot of ways. We’re very analytical, and we want to take all data into consideration every time we make decisions so we can feel like we are making the absolute best possible choice. He knows how stressful that can be and that most often that stress isn’t worth it. This coin often reminds me not just of how alike my dad and I are in this way, but so many others. He is certainly someone I am proud to be like, so it’s always a nice reminder.