Forensics was transformative in my life. It shaped my love of learning, expanded my career aspirations, and provided me with a community that became like family. Beyond connecting me with lifelong friends, debate was essential to my academic success. It pushed me to consider new perspectives, investigate issues outside my immediate worldview, and refine the skills of research, writing, and advocacy. I learned how to engage meaningfully with people of differing viewpoints on issues of civic importance, an experience that continues to inform both my professional and personal life.

I can say with certainty that I would not have graduated from the Honors College, defended my thesis, or been accepted into Teach For America without the skills I honed through debate. Today, as a seventh-grade math teacher at a Title I school, I use the same persuasive strategies that once helped me win tournaments to inspire my students to believe in their ability to succeed. Debate did not just make me a stronger competitor; it made me a more effective communicator, educator, and advocate.

Equally important, UO Forensics made higher education accessible to me. Growing up in rural Oregon in a middle-class family, I was able to attend the University of Oregon because of the scholarship support that debate provided. My coach guided me as a thesis advisor, wrote recommendations for my post-college plans, and gave me opportunities to travel across the country. Competing at world-class tournaments allowed me to experience firsthand the issues we researched and debated.

After four years in high school debate and four years competing at UO, I have seen what strong, successful programs look like, and UO has always been at the forefront. Debate was the reason I chose the University of Oregon, and I will remain forever grateful for the skills, opportunities, and community it gave me.