Page 129 - Carrollton 2009

d Fb a y t

Carrollton had yet another nationally successful
debate season led by senior and President
Leandra Lopez. Competing in Utah, Illinois, Texas,
Nevada, Michigan, Alabama and Georgia,
C O M M O N
aoni \r' utIAm 200K-09 ! IILST-YFAR APPLICATION the team brought home key wins from Alta

Invitational, Colleyville Heritage and Harvard.
For the first time, a sophomore- Ana Dimitrijevic-
CARLA PCREZ'ABREU
earned a bid to the Tournament of Champions.
400-500 words
Camilla Hernandez, Helen Gomez and Lauren
Describe a meaningful event, experience or accomplishment In your life and how It will affect your college
experience or your contribution to the UF campus community, you may want to reflect on your family, your Sisak also earned these bids. Gomez and
school or community activities, or your involvement In areas outside of school. Dimitrijevic finished their season with a 5th place
at the National Debate Coaches Association

1remember my first debate round: I was standing in a chilly classroom In front of four unfamiliar
faces, presenting an argument I was not sure I understood. After listening to my opponent's National Tournament and two national speaker
rebuttal, I had absolutely no Idea how to refute it. Only having a minute of "prep time" left on the awards. Carrollton continues to be the premiere
timer, I realized that I had to come up with a final argument to solve the issues of enemy
combatants in Guantanamo Bay. Five minutes later, I realized I had Just completed my first debate all female policy debate team in the nation.
round and awaited the Judge's decision. On hearing the news of my first victory, T finally felt like a
real debater.
People that do not watch debates or work with debaters tend to stereotype them as intelligent,
quick on their feet, determined to win, and argumentative. I, loo, can describe myself as having
these qualities; however, [ am quite the opposite of being argumentative. Through debate, 1 have
realized that I would rather be involved in finding solutions than just arguing various possibilities.
Having the pnvllege of being a member of the only all girts policy debate team in the nabon, I have
been given the opportunity to travel across the country and leam about issues our world is

currently facing. The exposure 1have had to the information and research presented has helped
shape my views on morality, cultures, and has also made me more tolerant of other people's
opinions. Researching the vanous issues and expressing my views on both the affirmative and
negative sides has helped me develop certain understandings as to how to work with others to
overcome issues and find peaceful solutions, although our ideas regarding them may vary. Through
debate I have become more receptive of others points of views without being critical of their
beliefs. Rather than arguing over a single solution to a problem, I have realized that there is not
always just one, but sometimes several different answers. Participating in debate has exposed me
to many diverse people, places, and opinions that have altered the way In which I view how to
resolve important issues, a skill I will need throughout my life.
I have come to realize that I enjoy debate not because I have to present my points of view and
argue those of my opponent in order to win the round, but I enjoy working to find possible answers
to such major issues like the conflicts between Pakistan and India, and those of the people in Sub-
Saharan Africa. On a personal level, 1 have been able to adopt an "agree to disagree" stance, as
not everyone must concur on every final outcome of every issue. We must understand the analysis
involved and work together to reach a resolution. The ability I have to interact with others and
express opinions without creating conflict is therefore a byproduct of my debate experience.
Given my participation in debate, I believe I will bring a well balanced perspective to the diverse
University of Florida community, in that I feel capable of discussing various topics, appreciating
each person's point of view and realizing that both arguments may be equally acceptable. For this
reason, I can also bring openness to the students as I have Interacted with people whose interests,
ideas, and backgrounds have varied culturally, morally, and even front both extremes of very liberal
to extremely conservative. 1 look forward to being a part of an environment that welcomes diversity
of background and thought such as one at UF.

Your exaiviple. even More than your words

will be an eloquent lesson to the world"

Sainit Madeleime Sophie Barat

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