Why debate matters for studies in US colleges
Liang Xiao says debate changed her life.
“If I had not participated in debates, I would probably be a biology major just like my parents, which would be fascinating in its own right but a necessarily different path,” says the 20-year-old sophomore at Wellesley College in the United States.
Three years ago, Liang studied in a high school in Nanjing, East China’s Jiangsu province. She views herself as a well-rounded student, who was good at most of the subjects but didn’t feel passion for any one in particular.
By getting involved in public debate for the first time, she delved into some of the most important topics in economics, political science and international relations, “none of which were offered as courses in my school”.
Debate helped her to find a new possibility for future academic learning and career planning.
She aspires to attend law school and become a lawyer.
“This idea was first inspired by a professional lawyer, who was one of the judges I had at the final round of a debate tournament held at Harvard Law School,” says Liang.
The form of debate Liang participates in is called public forum debate. It was created by the National Speech & Debate Association 90 years ago in the US and is a style adopted by many competitions across the country.
Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and politicians, including the late Antonin Scalia, who was an associate justice of the Supreme Court, are all NSDA alumni.
Georgetown University freshman Yang Lulu says public forum debate brings her joy, and matches her personality and future development.
“I’m very interested in international affairs, and I want to be a diplomat in the future,” the Georgetown Parliamentary debate team member says.
“For me, public forum debate is like a sprint. It’s competitive, stressful and brings me pleasure,” she adds.
Some debate team members take unrelated academic paths but still benefit from the experience.
Tu Shan, a 21-year-old film major at Bard College, points out that the skills she learned in debate are transferable, which includes critical thinking and open-mindedness. Tu attended debate through her high school years.
“The idea of building one’s contention, being able to rebut from different sides and always keeping an open mind in discussions are what I appreciate in debates,” says Tu.
US debate coach Eric Lanning points out that debate counts as an extracurricular when applying for college.
“US colleges really value debate, and it’s one of the extracurricular activities that stands out to them,” says Lanning.
Extracurriculars’ importance is becoming clearer among Chinese as more study overseas.
Lanning believes debate helps to build up a community.
“I have traveled all over the world for debate tournaments,” says Lanning.
Through debate, he forged friendships and made connections with debaters across the globe.
“When I am applying for a job, there is a former debater who works in that company to help you, so debate really gives you a global network,” says Lanning.