This I Believe Script

Michael Pronin
CAS 138
Professor Bedell

I remember my freshman year when my best friend dragged me into

my first debate team meeting, and despite my initial resistance, I was
hooked. At the time, the team barely traveled and wasnt all that serious.
My freshman schedule would see around six local tournaments in a league
that housed about twelve schools in my area, all of which brought relatively
new and unexposed debaters. Even against such modest competition, I
didnt manage to win a single round. With little guidance, I went into each
round unprepared and my results reflected my level of preparation.
The following year, I found myself doing the same thing on the way to
yet another local league tournament, when a new coach, Mr. Berdnik, called
me to the front of the bus and picked out some evidence for me to use.
Shortly thereafter, he made the decision to switch my event to a more
involved and competitive form. Still, I wasnt ready to fully commit to
debate, and my sophomore season, much like my freshman season, was
unimpressive.

After a disappointing couple of losses at the beginning of my junior

year, I finally realized that debate required a lot more than just showing up
and speaking in front of a judge. I began doing original research and
compiling my own cases; no longer reliant on the work of others. I continued
to improve, and before I knew it, I was getting better results at tournaments.
Doing debate work a couple hours a week turned into a few hours a night. My
efforts showed, as I qualified to and compiled a 4-1 record at Catholic
Nationals. But still I was hungry.
The following year, I set my sights even higher. Before I knew it, I was
working on debate almost any free second I had. I wasnt writing just one
case for each side of the resolution, but was instead writing 3 or 4 on each
side, and upwards of 10 versions of each, always believing that it could be
better. After every tournament, I would go home and write down all of the
arguments that I heard, and then research to find the best possible
responses so I would be in a better position to respond the following time I
would hear the argument. Towards the end of the season, I had won
numerous tournaments, including a couple multi-state events.
I prepared harder than ever for states, but was disappointed when I
lost in the quarterfinal round; a round that I believe I could have won. This
motivated me to do even more. I won my catholic league district
tournament and then won my National Speech and Debate Association
district tournament, meaning I was qualified to both national tournaments,
the latter being the bigger one.

I spent the time between states and catholic nationals preparing

upwards of 5 hours a day. Again, I was disappointed with a loss in the round
of 16, but I didnt let it knock me down. I persisted and worked my tail off to
prepare for the NSDA National tournament, a mere three weeks away. I
would head to the library every day after school, and read until closing time.
I practiced every day, even on weekends. I wrote 20 versions of each case,
and compiled a brief of evidence 100 pages thick for both sides, filled with
responses to arguments. When it was all said and done, I finished 8th in the
country, making it all the way to the 13th round. I believe that my effort
proves that persistence and determination are omnipotent and are the only
way to achieve success.