Debate: What does it look like?

Debating is not just arguing. Debating is staying up till 3am running on caffeine and team spirit prepping. It’s not just reading speeches. It’s the endless hours that go behind it. Debating is never only what you see. It’s your nails biting into your palms as your knuckles turn white with your team mates, praying your name is called. It’s squishing stress balls a little too hard before results. Laughing nervously to hide the panic inside. And that’s what debating is all about.

It’s the pep talks before entering the spotlight. Knowing that no matter what happens. Wether you win or lose knowing eldr, will be there for you. Cheering you on. Through the cries of being 54th and the cheers of being first. Through every late-night prep session, every doubt, every small victory, they are there.

With eldr, nine months is all it took. From rank 224 at WSC regionals to qualifying for the Indian national team and reaching top 50. Nine months taught me the kind of grit you can’t learn from books or speeches- the kind that’s felt and endured.