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Freshman and Sophomore Year - Cogressional Debate
Freshman and Sophomore Year - Cogressional Debate
Congressional Speech and Debate was one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences I had during my freshman and sophomore years. As a competitor, I had to research current issues, write and propose legislation, and prepare speeches both for and against bills written by other students. It felt like being in a mock version of the U.S. Congress, where we debated real-world problems and tried to come up with logical, persuasive arguments.
What I learned went far beyond public speaking. I improved my critical thinking, learned how to respectfully disagree, and got much better at organizing my thoughts under pressure. Competing also taught me how to listen carefully, respond on the spot, and speak confidently in front of a room full of people. It wasn’t always easy, but the experience helped me grow in so many ways, academically, personally, and socially. Being part of Congressional Debate gave me a voice, and it showed me the power of using it effectively.
Junior and Senior year - Model United Nations
Junior and Senior year - Model United Nations
Model United Nations (Model UN) was a unique and eye-opening experience for me. As a delegate, I had to represent a country’s views on global issues, which meant doing a lot of research to understand their policies and perspectives. I learned how to write formal resolutions, give speeches, and negotiate with other delegates to find common ground. It wasn’t just about debating, it was about collaboration, diplomacy, and problem-solving.
Model UN pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. Speaking in front of others and defending a position that might not match my own opinions taught me to think critically and see issues from multiple sides. It also helped me become a stronger communicator and more confident in my ability to lead and contribute to group discussions. Through Model UN, I gained a deeper understanding of global challenges and the importance of international cooperation, which made me feel more connected to the world and inspired to keep learning about it.
Freshman through Senior Year - (FORMERLY GSA) Human Rights Club
Freshman through Senior Year - (FORMERLY GSA) Human Rights Club
I started out as a member of the GSA during my freshman and sophomore years, a place where I felt seen and supported, a community where I could be myself and stand alongside others who shared similar struggles and hopes. When I became a leader in my junior year, it was more than just a title; it was a responsibility to keep that safe space alive and growing. But then everything changed under the Trump administration. Because the GSA was part of the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, it was transformed into the Human Rights Club. This shift felt confusing and, honestly, a little painful. It was like our identity as a group, specifically centered on LGBTQ+ support, was being folded into something broader, and I worried that some of the focus and urgency we had might be lost.
Leading through that transition was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but it also became one of the most important. I had to find ways to honor the original mission of the GSA while embracing a wider fight for human rights. I worked to ensure that every voice, especially those of LGBTQ+ students, was still heard and valued. I saw firsthand how vulnerable and powerful activism can be, how much it means to those who rely on these communities for safety and hope. This experience didn’t just teach me about leadership; it taught me about resilience, empathy, and the importance of fighting for justice even when the path isn’t clear. It showed me how vital it is to keep pushing forward for acceptance, no matter the obstacles.
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