To those who have just begun their debating journey, my advice is to look at debate not only as an extracurricular activity, but embrace it as a mindset and a lifestyle.

You learn to be a more sensible, logical thinker and express your thoughts clearly and steadily. It’s about persuading and weighing, not fighting.

Debating has been vital with other extra-curricular activities, driving my confidence to reach out to others and take up positions. Lastly, debating has been instrumental in creating a mindset that does not waver in the face of resistance or opposition.

Debate has also allowed me to grow as a person: being aware and knowledgeable about diverse matters that exist beyond my little realm of existence has allowed me to become a truly global citizen.