<p>So yesterday I asked my speech teacher (ie. future debate coach) if it was possible to compete in both cross country and debate, which is what I'll be doing for the next three years of high school. She says yes, but when I ask her about next year's debate plans, she tells me that we won't be doing Model U.N. because "they're isn't much of a competition circuit here anyway" (we live in a small town in Texas that's 45 minutes away from San Antonio. I think we can do it). We're only going to 2 National Forensic League tournaments, primarily because she doesn't think we'll be that good, so if I ever proved myself an excellent debater, my best bet next year would be to win at the state level (we're focusing on Texas' TFA and UIL competitions). Now, I'm a freshman, and there's always the chance that we'll probably do more in junior year, but it seems like my future debate coach is putting off her plans out of laziness. I mean, sure, I competed in debate this year, but I did it on my own. She shoved me a case to use and pass off as my own, but I knew I could do better and I wrote my own. Unfortunately, do to some dropped arguments (which was my sole error, according to all the ballot sheets), I did not advance to Texas UIL regionals, but I'm not too bummed because once again, I did it pretty much on my own. Anyway...</p>
<p>Who else is in Debate or Model U.N.? I really, really was looking forward to doing Model U.N., but now we aren't because my teacher is either really lazy or downright pessimistic. Any suggestions pertaining to how I could convince her to let us focus on NFL Debate and MUN would be very much appreciated. Thanks. Any advice on how to prepare next year would be nice also. My schedule for the summer is pretty much booked right now, so debate camp is out of the question (and I can't afford it, so I simply can't do it anyway).</p>