Faliure

I would like to start off by saying I don’t want any sympathy. For the past three years, I've been training hard and have put all my energy toward debate for I’m passionate about it. It was my dream to advance onto provincials. Due to the fact that the region we’re in has so many competitors, they expanded the amount of people who could advance by 6 to 20. I knew that my skill level was probably adequate to progress. To my surprise, the results told me that I did not make it, and wasn't even close. I sulked about it for a long time for I knew I could have done it because some people who I debated against in the past and I know that my level is similar made it in. I know that I could have done it. This was the last year I could compete in the junior category because of my grade, and also because I will be moving, so I’ll never get a chance to compete again. I was prepared physically, but not mentally. This kind hurts because it harder to figure out what went wrong. I have since reflected upon it and have learned some very big lessons that I wish to share. While I thank those who say I was robbed, I know there are many many areas I could have done better. Yes, I was disappointed, but the success of U-Hill and Hamber debaters has made me forget about it and happy instead. The failure has opened up a bigger picture that I could not have seen otherwise, for which I am very thankful.

Lessons Learned:
1) The week before, I had attended a small preparatory tournament in which the organizers bombarded us for days after that our win was tainted and suspected us of cheating when I know we didn't. I replied to their statement with anger, and wasn't able to think of anything else thereafter. I have now learned to forgive and forget. There is no need to demonstrate to others that you have done no wrong for you'll never be able to convince them otherwise. As long you have a clear conscience, let the rest be.

2) Never let circumstances around you change who are are. For the first two rounds, we were against some beginners. With the entire round going badly, I knew my speaker scores were affected a lot. I let that stay in my mind. The third round was just perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed it for what it was because our opponents where the nicest and caringest ever (no mater what *** gets you to think). The last round, I lost my cool and I became very very very aggressive during cross-x to the point I was cutting off answers. Never let the people around you affect how you act.

3) Let real passion not be covered up by anything else. This has shown me that debate by itself was not all that I seeked for. Especially when competition is involved, I now know to focus on the things that are important. Others comments on your skill does not matter at all, they go above and below. The most important things are the passion for debate and the wonderful people around you. 

4) This is by far the most important thing I've learned. Events like this show you how much support is behind you whether or not you fail. My coaches, friends, and parents all given me so much support. My gratitude for what everyone has done cannot fit into this post so I'll be doing that in a separate one. Please read that one! 

I'm hoping to go to provincials as a spectator even though it is in Victoria to cheer and support my friends on. I feel that it would be good to see what it's like, take some notes, and immerse myself into such an atmosphere to improve for the future whether I get a chance to debate again. Best wishes to all the public school competitors!