When I arrived at high school, I wanted to join the debate club but found out it didn’t exist, so I decided to start one. For a month, my eagerness to debate was frustrated by the need to organize, advertise, secure signatures, and persuade (similar to debate, at least) school faculty. After gaining enough support, the team was officially chartered. Most debate programs dedicate classes and coaches, but my school couldn't allocate funds without a "proven and sustained demand". This meant I’d have to coach/lead myself. We’re now a fully functioning team that competes regularly. The school plans to establish a debate class next year, fulfilling my goal of continuing educational discourse for students after my graduation. Initially, my passion was solely for discourse, and I’m proud of my and my teammates’ medals, but organizing taught me critical networking and leadership skills and the importance of actively advocating for myself and others. Debate changed the way I learn and think. Preparing for tournaments pushed me to question assumptions, analyze complex issues, and communicate clearly under pressure. When I placed at region and state debating the morality of generative AI, I realized that in addition to being about competition, debate is a way to explore difficult questions about technology, ethics, and society. It also taught me how to truly listen, understanding opposing perspectives before responding, and how respectful disagreement can lead to deeper understanding rather than division. This experience made my high school years feel active and meaningful, and gave me confidence in my ability to speak, listen, and lead. Leading the team also showed me the value of helping others find their voice. Coaching new members, watching them grow more confident, and seeing them succeed at competitions was as rewarding as competing myself. In fact, during my senior year, there were times when I forfeited my own opportunity to compete so I could stay and coach my teammates, because their growth mattered more to me than individual results. Debate became a community built on curiosity, discipline, and mutual respect. It taught me resilience, patience, and how to stay composed under pressure, which are skills that will extend beyond competition. In college, I plan to continue debating by joining campus debate organizations, competing in tournaments, and engaging in research and discussions that challenge my thinking. I hope to keep improving my communication and leadership skills while contributing to thoughtful, respectful discourse on complex global issues. Debate has shaped who I am, and I intend to carry these lessons forward, using dialogue, critical thinking, and open-mindedness to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the world.