<p>I am currently a Sophmore at a Public High School in California. I really want to make it into at least UCLA. Many people have told me follow your passion, so I joined the Speech and Debate Team. I love to debate and plan to be a lawyer eventually. However, this is the team's first year and it is terribly organized. I never learn anything from the meetings that occur for barely any time. We are supposed to compete in some tournaments soon, but I don't know the first thing about the debates we are competing in. They have other students that don't know what they are talking about teaching us and it makes it very hard to learn. This is taking time away form other things I could do that are more productive. </p>
<p>So, after all that, my question is, do you believe it is worth it to stick it out in debate and see if I ever learn something or should I try to put my efforts towards an ec that I will really have a chance at learning something?</p>
<p>You said you want to be a lawyer. Being a lawyer is not what they show on TV, with heated courtroom debates. It’s a lot of paperwork, reading, and writing. A very small percentage of lawyers are trial lawyers. </p>
<p>In addition to that, anything you need to know about debate will be taught to you in law school. Doing debate in high school will have no impact whatsoever on your ability as a lawyer.</p>
<p>In light of that, do whatever EC interests you. If you are interested in debate, knock yourself out. If you want to do something else, go for it.</p>
<p>Also, I REALLY hope your name has no connection to Glenn Beck.</p>
<p>No relation to Glenn Beck Thanks for your response. I am just worried that I am wasting my time doing debate and learning nothing, whereas I could do something more productive otherwise.</p>
<p>If you think you can do a better job organizing the debate club, I definitely recommend trying that. That’s be pretty awesome, and you can start by making suggestions. Otherwise, since it isn’t turning out to be what you’d hoped, I would suggest finding a new activity.</p>
<p>^^ If you feel like it isn’t the most productive use of your time, don’t do it. Colleges aren’t going to wonder why you weren’t in debate. Do whatever you think will offer you the best chance to succeed and really stand out.</p>
Thanks for your response. I am just worried that I am wasting my time doing debate and learning nothing, whereas I could do something more productive otherwise.</p>