Speech and debate, that was when I ruled the world 🌎💙 They told me to break and I heard break top 28 and get hospitalized. But, on a real note, I am so grateful for speech and debate for giving me not only just amazing memories, but wonderful friendships and skills. Being in front of crowds had always been my thing having acted for 8 years, but it wasn’t until I joined S&D that I realized there’s more to performing than just getting on a stage and being “good.” It’s about being who you are and using your voice to make change in the best way you know how, and with your talent. Not only was I able to discover the beauty of speaking through NSDA, but I saw this beauty shine through so many of the people I met and the experiences we went through this week. It would be a contradiction to say I must use my voice and not acknowledge the devastating events that occurred this week. Despite the trauma, I saw more resilience from this community than I have anywhere else. And that’s what makes the people who do this so wonderful. Because in the worst of times we all stood together as one to advocate for ourselves, putting aside all differences. I can’t say this nats was a good one, but it was definitely a memorable one. And even more so, this nats falling apart made me realize just how much I loved doing this. Because even in the trials, I still write this with nothing but love and tears in my eyes realizing I part this journey now. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me along the way, including those I may have just met this week, thank you to NSDA for giving me a space to freely use my voice and introduce me to different opportunities, but most of all, thank you to my amazing coach, Dr. Stanton, who got me here in the first place. She stood by me when I felt I’d failed, pushed me to accomplish my goals, and even stuck by my side for a WHOLE NIGHT while I was battling severe pains in the hospital. I thank God every day for her and I couldn’t be more grateful to have been blessed with a coach like her. So with all of this, I say one last time… Thank you high school speech and debate! Code 2013 signing off 💗