When I made the decision to attend UO, it was in large part due to the storied and historic reputation of the Forensics Department. I rejected debate scholarships from Whitman and American University, knowing that I had the chance to compete with UO. I was lucky enough to participate in speech and debate and mock trial during my time at UO. I even had the privilege of helping to lead our very first Frohnmayer Competition. Through the Forensics Department, I made some of my dearest friends and gained invaluable professional skills and had access to invaluable mentorship. It’s hard to put into words what my time in the Forensics Department meant, but I know I would be half the professional I am today without it. I’m lucky enough to have spent the better part of the last decade as a professional communicator working to elect people who I think work to build a better tomorrow for us all — and it all started with the Forensics Department.