I have grown up surrounded by arguments in daily life—most of them small, unclear, and driven more by emotion than reason. Unknowingly, these moments became the starting point of my debate journey—a desire to persuade thoughtfully and to communicate ideas with purpose rather than frustration.
Over the years, I learned different debate formats, each sharpening a different aspect of my thinking. Debate strengthened not only my public speaking skills, but also my confidence. I learned how to organize ideas, respond calmly under pressure, and express myself more clearly and persuasively, even when opinions differed.
More recently, I found myself applying debate beyond competitions. Drawing on leadership, I mentored and encouraged a beginner debater to join a competition alongside me. Through guidance and shared preparation, we performed respectably—not because of winning alone, but because of the growth we experienced throughout the process.
Today, debate remains one of the activities I value most. It offers me opportunities to exchange perspectives, build global friendships, and engage with ideas that challenge my own. More importantly, debate elevated my leadership skills—teaching me how to guide others through reasoning, empathy, and mutual respect. Through debate, I continue to learn that strong voices are not those that speak the loudest, but those that listen, reflect, and respond with intention.
