Debate and Forensics Team Members

Cormac Li

Undecided, from Chicago, Illinois

This is my first year on the debate team at Whitman. No thanks to Lauran and her polite harassing on me to join the team. I just couldn't say no to this lady. I was going to quit debate for good but Lauren had other plans for me. I continue to do debate because of the adrenaline for the debate. I love the politics aspect of debate & love seeing people squirm while I debate them. I think it's good practice for my future profession of fighting for justice.

Debate introduces me to new ideas that I can bring into my classes to understand the overlapping aspects of every single subject. It deepens the knowledge I gain from class and strengthens the interconnectedness taught by a liberal arts education.

Economics, Houston, Texas.

Debate has taught me creative ways to approach methods of argumentation. Additionally, debate is an outlet in which I get to explore methodologies for ways of solving real world problems. Debate for me is the epitome of a well rounded education where I get to put the things that I learn in my courses into spaces where in-depth conversations matter.

Undecided from Boise, Idaho

Debate means a lot to me. It gives me a space to be myself, experiment with ideas and make new connections. It is an extremely unique form of education that you can't really get anywhere else.

Debate is a great educational opportunity to learn more about politics and global events. I personally have learned and continue to learn so much from doing debate.

I love debate because of the community.  Debate is where I've met some of my best friends, had some of the best times, and also had some of the most important conversations of my life.  I enjoy getting the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics from different angles, and debate is a great crash course on a variety of pressing political and social issues.

Undeclared, from Palmer, Alaska

I joined debate because when I first visited Whitman and met the team I instantly fell in love with the amazing team members and coaches. From the very beginning they challenged my view of the world and helped me learn a lot through debate and conversation. I think debate is a wonderful way to turn education into a game and I appreciate the friendly and open atmosphere encouraged and upheld by the team.

Undecided, from Naples, Florida.

Debate has always been my home away from home. In essence, debate has broadened my knowledge on domestic and international issues; helped my understanding of current events and concepts imbedded in the social construct. It has challenged my thought process and way-of-approach to solutions. If you're an adrenaline junkie, welcome to debate! The excitement in the room when your teammates win-the focus level when a resolution drops is unlike any other feeling.Welcome home.

Classics and Environmental Studies Chemistry, from the Seattle, WA area 

Debate has been a great part of my college experience. I get to go to new places, meet people, and learn a lot.

Undecided, from Los Angeles, California

Debate is an outlet I've utilized over the past 5 years to explore my identity along with its interaction in political spaces. Debate has given me a voice, inspired me to learn, taught me to think critically. It provided me with a community that has served to foster my growth and support me in every way possible.

Joining Whitman’s debate team was an easy decision; it is a place which fosters the critical dialogues necessary in academic spaces. My experience in any debate scene is, no doubt, shaped by my position as a Disabled student. I needed a team that I knew would support all of my academic and debate endeavors while consistently advocating for accessibility alongside me.

Mathematics/Statistics 3/2 Engineering, from Bothell, Washington

I joined the Whitman Debate Team to become more knowledgeable and engaged in national and international affairs. As a part of the Debate team I have enjoyed learning the debate "language" while crafting persuasive arguments with my coaches and teammates.

Undecided, from West Valley City, Utah

I joined the debate team in my high school because I wanted to learn how to speak better in public. In the past two years, I have learned so much more than that. I am so excited to continue participating in debate at Whitman and I am already having such an amazing and educational time. Debate was the first place where I felt like I wasn't the smartest or loudest person in the room, and I really enjoy meeting so many new people as I have continued with my debate career.