To the Editors:

After a year of regularly reading The Maroon, it has come to my attention that several students on Loyola’s campus have a passion for their opinions.

From the articles on abortion to the letters to the editor on gay marriage, everyone has a position on something. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fully understand more than just your own opinion?

Have you ever wanted to win an argument because you know both sides of the issue better than your opposition?

Joining the speech and debate team may be the perfect place for you to hone in on and refine your already formulated opinions.

Being a collegiate debater is more than being committed to a student organization – it is preparation for a lifetime of success. By gaining public speaking skills, furthering your critical thinking abilities and learning how to eloquently articulate your every thought, the speech and debate team will help to prepare you for everyday conversations, the classroom in virtually every subject and eventually your career.

In 1960, John F. Kennedy said, “I think debating in high school and college is most valuable training whether for politics, the law, business or for service on community committees such as the PTA and the League of Women Voters. A good debater must not only study material in support of his own case, but he must also, of course, thoroughly analyze the expected argument of his opponent. The give and take of debating, the testing of ideas, is essential to democracy. I wish we had a good deal more debating in our educational institutions than we do now.”

Then and now, speech and debate helps to provide a student with invaluable skills that can be easily transferred to every aspect of life.

More than half the members of congress of high school or college debate experience, as do many presidents and Supreme Court justices.

From Nelson Mandela to Oprah Winfrey, everyone has something to gain from being involved with collegiate speech and debate.

In order to be successful, voice opinions and learn how to take balanced approaches on heated topics, students ought to give the speech and debate team a try.

Sincerely,

Allison Rogers

Speech and Debate Union President