Debate is an essential part of the everyday; lawyers, patient advocates, political scientists and many more find themselves arguing with a peer or coworker almost daily. Even now, when you have a disagreement with a friend or parent, the argument that comes after is a form of debate. 

The debate club focuses on practicing methods of disputing arguments, specifically those on policy rather than politics. Similarly, they hope to not only build argumentative skills, but also confidence. They strive to have a structured, stimulating club atmosphere and aspire to continue the club’s growth. The debate club studies different kinds of debate tactics and implements them in a friendly, welcoming environment. Mariam Eshaba, one of the captains for the debate club, shares her perspective: “It seems overwhelming because you don’t know what to expect, or you have certain assumptions. A lot of people walk in assuming they argue about politics.” Eshaba continues to say, “With debate, they mostly go over things like policy… you debate a lot about the environment, foreign aid… things of that sort.” 

Eshaba also reflects on the state of the club her freshman year, noting how it had less of a set structure, and would be losing the majority of its members. She notes that she and her peers “wanted for the club to thrive more than it did,” and values the community she has slowly been building. Now, she hopes to emphasize the club’s values of structure, confidence, mental strength, and open-mindedness towards peers through debating.