Quitting debate

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I started debate in 9th grade, and went to two tournaments in the beginning of this year (10th), and recently, I've realized that I just don't want to do this anymore. I don't enjoy debating about politics, spending an hour or more every night writing speeches the week before a tournament, getting up early on Saturdays to fall asleep in the chamber, especially when I can be devoting more time towards my 5 AP class schedule (and 2 honors). I've never even PLACED at a local tournament (even though my coach says I'm good and that I'd place if I wrote more speeches). I had fun last year, but this year it's like a chore to do it. I just don't like it.</p>

<p>The problem is, I would feel awful if I quit. Last year would've been a total waste, plus I'd look like a lazy failure. I WANT to like it, but I don't. Another problem - it's such a great EC. Doing debate for 4 years looks pretty good on college apps, right? What am I going to replace it with? Here are my ECs:</p>

<ul>
<li>Student Council (9th)</li>
<li>American Red Cross (10th, president for 11th and 12th)</li>
<li>Key Club (all 4 years)</li>
<li>Tennis (7 years by the time I graduate; didn't make the team last year, planning to for the next 3 years; will be starting to play in tournaments... possibly)</li>
<li>Congressional Award</li>
<li>Volunteering at local hospital</li>
<li>Volunteering at tennis camp over the summer</li>
</ul>

<p>ANOTHER PROBLEM - for the Congressional Award, I need a Personal Development goal (debate, piano, art, yoga, etc.). My goal was to write 2 debate speeches per week. I know how to play the piano, but I haven't played since May. But I might get back to it depending on if I actually quit debate.</p>

<p>So what do you guys think? Should I quit? And if I do, will my ECs suffice, or would I have to take on something else to replace it?</p>

2

<p>Unless you do well in debate, like doing it, and can see yourself in a leadership role before college apps, don’t bother. But it does seem like you might want to be involved in something else.</p>

3

<p>bump10char</p>

4

<p>Seriously? I appreciate dblazer’s advice, but come on… anyone else?</p>

5

<p>Sounds like you don’t know what you like doing. Drop debate and keep searching, you’ll find something you enjoy. And don’t feel bad if you do end up dropping it, debate isn’t any better than other EC’s.</p>

6

<p>You don’t really have to drop debate. It takes maybe two hours per tournament to fully prepare and find research. Most of the skill comes from actually delivering the speech and thinking on your feet, answering questions, etc.</p>

<p>Don’t drop it man, you’ll learn to manage your time eventually!</p>

7

<p>Switch to LD debate. You write one AFF and one NEG once during a two month period of time… roughly 1000 words each. Yes, you can and maybe many would suggest writing more than that, but truly, you don’t need to. </p>

<p>Debate IS fun and is a great EC and definitely helps with writing college essays, formulating solid arguments, and strengthens ability to research. It also exposes you to a lot of different topics you would otherwise not know anything about.</p>

<p>LD has a couple of different styles, but generally it is more a philosophical debate than one on politics.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

8

<p>If debate makes you unhappy then it isn’t worth it. The end. Good luck :)</p>

9

<p>I agree with crazymomster. LD debate is alot more interesting than the other forms of debate because it is more philosophical. But i think you should stick with it. Its such a rewarding activity. Personally, I love it. But I know its not for everyone. Just give it another shot! Good Luck!</p>