How NCFCA has helped me at college

1. Navigation

Day one of any tournament usually left me wandering around, exploring the new environment and staking out ahead of time where my rounds were going to be. I was careful, oh so careful, to make sure I knew where everything was. And yet without fail, every round, I would get lost. I would be wandering around in circles miserably, not understanding how this could have happened when I spent all that time scouting the lay of the land!

I'm oblivious. That's how it happened. So while I now know my way around a handful of campuses across the States, I still get lost at my own university. It doesn't matter that I've explored every square inch of the place, that I give upperclassmen directions, that I've all but memorized the campus map. I still walk into strangers houses and end up 15 minutes late to class and step off the bus feeling disoriented. You know why? Because I'm oblivious.

2. Registration

I thought I wouldn't miss the thrill of clicking refresh on the NCFCA website moments before registration opened, the rush of typing out all my events as fast as possible, and the futility of willing my browser to go faster. And I don't miss it. Because that's exactly what class registration is like. I found myself logging on each day leading up to my registration time, watching the number of available seats in the classes I wanted shrink and shrink. Depressing.

And just like kids whose parents have tournament jobs get to register before everyone else, here athletes get the first pick. It's a an equitable system, if not a fractured one. I now know how it feels to be on the other side of priority registration. It's lame. I feel like I need to write apology notes to anyone I've ever pushed out of an event I was PQ'd for.

3. Endurance

I'm stuck on campus five days a week, usually for 14 hours a day. And while hopping from class to class to work to meetings doesn't really compare with the strain of three-rounds-6-events-plus-debate, the whole college does feel a little bit like a tournament. Downtime when you find yourself alone, running late to rounds, not having a chance to grab a bit to eat, early mornings and late nights. Lots of strangers who seem to all know each other running around. Just, it all lasts a little longer than three days.

I'm kind of a pansy by nature, and while all this is very much the reality of American culture [basically until I retire, or die] I'm glad I had a chance to experience a more demanding environment, instead of going straight from the couch where I did my school to this fish bowl.

4. Script submission

If you thought the pile of strict and confusing script submission rules were entirely illegitimate, once you come to college, boy, will your mind be blown. Formatting rules are nonnegotiable. No exceptions, no excuses, no mercy. One and a half inch margins [the Microsoft Word default, mind you] will land you a zero. Ariel instead of Times New Romans? You're a goner. All my giant classes grade the homework on format instead of content, so if you don't follow instructions to the letter, you don't get the sympathetic smile of a submission person and a "Go to the library, fix it, come back." No, you get a ZERO. So don't whine about script submission; follow instructions.

And don't say I am lacking empathy, either! While it's true I survived nearly my whole career in NCFCA without a single script glitch, I did experience the sinking panic when I left a single word unnecessarily bolded at the most recent national tournament. I could have cried. Script problems are awful, one of the most traumatizing of all tournament issues. I understand. BUT. The emotional pain and stress is worth the lesson you learn. Follow the freaking directions, fool.

5. Skillz

But, of course you already know this. It's why we do NCFCA. To learn the skills. You know this by heart: never underestimate how important it is to be articulate and well-read and logical and a sociable converser and a gracious winner. Or loser, as the case may be. Everyone has to learn these skills eventually. It's just easier to have the jump on it all.

I didn't think it was possible to be more grateful for NCFCA than I already was, but the appreciation grows with the scope of my experience. It was the most useful thing I've ever done. Thanks Mom.

NCFCA: Seven years in review

For entirely self-indulgent posterity, here is some documentation of my involvement with a forensics league that did more than any other high school activity to shape who I am and what I care about. (How's that for scary?) Here is my history in NCFCA.

2003-2004

"Rabbit Hill" by Robert Lawson, OI

I was twelve and really nervous, met a lot of nice people, got inspired, and I caught the bug.

2004-2005

"Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw, DUO

The Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln, OrI

Florence Nightingale, OO

Impromptu

I was thirteen and all I remember about this year is 1) visiting the Fellowship, 2) it snowing, and 3) signing up for two speeches the night before. You can imagine how that went.

2005-2006

"The Art of Being Persuasive", DUO

"The Princess and the Kiss", OI

Robert E. Lee, OO

Impromptu

TP: medical malpractice year

I was fourteen and I broke for the first time ever. I qualified for Nationals and felt so terrible about it that I didn't even want to go.

2006-2007

"The Last Leaf" by O. Henry, DI

"The Butter Battle Book" by Dr. Suess, OI

The Futility of Wealth, ThI

Sanctity of Life, OO

Apologetics

Impromptu

LD: overvalued democracy year

I was fifteen, knew everyone in the league, and placed in sweeps for the first time.

2007-2008

"The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls, DI

"Frog" by Vivian Vand Velde, HI

Judges 4 - 5, the story of Deborah, OI

A Different Kind of Recycling, PERS

The Beijing Olympics, OO

Apologetics

Impromptu

LD: isolationism year

I was sixteen, got my first first place, and went to my very favorite tournament of all time: the Virginia Open at Regent University.

2008-2009

More than a Piece of Paper, OO

"Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti, OI

"Cinder Elephant" by Jane Yolen, HI

Lessons I Learned in the Dark, DI

Apologetics

Impromptu

LD: idealism and pragmatism year.

I was seventeen, stretched my limits with four weird speeches, and got my only first place debate ranking.

2009-2010

"The Choice" by Claire Luckham, DUO

"The Odd Couple" by Neil Simon, HI

Floss to Save Your Life, PERS

Apologetics

Impromptu

TP: environmental policy reform year.

I was eighteen, and it was my very last year.

When I first started, I was terrible. All the kids in my club would break and I would get straight fifth and belows. In TP I had a straight 3-3 record, and when I started LD it dropped to 0-6. But randomly, I really liked it. Speaking and debating. I neglected a lot of my real schoolwork a lot of the time to work on speech and debate. And eventually, with some practice and mentoring, I got a little better at it. And my friends were happy, because they no longer had to feel awkward when they broke and I didn't, because finally I was breaking, too.

The first time I qualified for Nationals, I felt sick about it. I didn't want to go, and I didn't want to talk about it, I was so ashamed because I felt like I didn't deserve it. And my mom had to explain to me that only rarely do we deserve what we get, that qualifying was a God-thing, and that I needed to square my shoulders and make the best of it. In retrospect I can't believe she took me and my siblings all the way to Purcellville, VA for that one speech.

Do you know, my second round I made the mistake of waiting in the room for my turn, and what's more, the girl who went right before me, directly before me, she did the same exact piece? I was a mess, I was so nervous. I never got my ballots from that Nationals, we left early and whoever collected my ballots for me lost them, and I never saw them. But clearly someone in the room needed to hear that story. Needed to hear it twice. It sounds silly, and mystical, but, I was then resolved, that every speech I gave needed to have a point.

This is why apologetics is my favorite event of all time. Something that forces me to know my faith and explain it concisely. The first year, especially, through my laborious prep I was forced to see doctrine and illustrations and devotional implications everywhere I turned. Research spilled over from the class into my life, seeing truth everywhere in a whole new way. I read Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology cover to cover; it was a pain, but I'm the better for it. I could probably write a solitary blog post solely on what I've learned from apologetics. But I love to be handed six minutes to dwell on truth.

We shell out money for these platforms, we pay a hefty price for three sets of three people to listen to what we have to say for ten minutes. We might as well have something worth saying. And now that I see how meaningless these seven years were, I'm so glad that none of those speeches were a waste of time. That every word I labored to memorize was worth saying.

Not sure I can say the same for debate. Bleck. But where speech failed to breed in me any sort of refinement on the platform, debate taught me actual skills. Speech you might do for years and years and only learn a little. Debate is baptism by fire. Most good speakers were first debaters. [And I guess, those who excel in speech without any debate involvement, are naturals.] Debate forced me to do what I hate: think fast and talk directly. I still have so much learn, this skill still needs so much refinement, but I am boundlessly grateful for the jumpstart NCFCA gave me here.

Anticipation leaking out

Next week will be the fourth national tournament I've attended. Considering that 1) PHC year I didn't know what was going on, 2) UMHB year I was puking my guts out, and 3) BMS year was so awesome, I have no idea what to expect for this coming Nationals. Which is exciting! And scary. Because, you know, as the control freak that I am, I hate not knowing what's coming. And because I enjoyed myself so much last year, I'm worried that this Nationals will just be awful when compared to last year.

My first year of Nationals, my mom brought all four of us to PHC. It was hardcore. It's hard for one woman to keep track of four kids all by herself in a strange environment. But then, the other two years, it was easy. It was just her and me. And I'm not going to lie, the independence was nice. But this year, history repeats itself, which all four of us kids shipping down in our minivan, and I'm a little nervous. My mom is amazing, and we're all a little older now, but the long drive and keeping track of all of us is still going to add hardships to the stress of a national tournament in an unfamiliar location, and I'm worried it's going to be a train wreck. And I'm selfishly lamenting the fact that I won't have the freedom I've had in previous years. I'm not looking forward to keeping tabs on my events all over a humid college campus. I don't like humid college campuses in general.

Plus, who are we kidding, the facility last year was off the hook. Not only is Mrs. Hudson the most epic person ever, but they brought in boy scouts who were amazing. The whole tournament was in one big, empty, air-conditioned building, and it was wonderful. There was even a Starbucks stand! That gave free samples! I'm not going to pretend like Birmingham was an amazing city, but there was civilization. (Compared to the fields of Virginia and Texas.) Chain restaurants and malls and even Whole Foods were all in the area. (And crossing a five lane highway is an awesome memory!) Plus, even though I wasn't expecting it to be, the after-party at the Vulcan Museum was truly a lot of fun. Luke and I can kind of sort of salsa, Andrew was a little successful in teaching me to dance, and yes folks, Tim can do the box step! 

Last year, I understood debate. I knew the resolution backwards and forwards. I had a brief on every person I had a flow of. (Except Jason Hughey. But facing him was still fun, and redemptive from the train wreck that was the VA open octafinal round. But I digress. So what else is new.) Whereas this year, even though I think I'm a better speaker than I was last year, I'm still hopelessly a northerner. I don't really understand the resolution. I haven't been able to devote as much time to prep as I'd like. And while I don't think it's presumptuous to think I deserve to be going to Nationals, I also know lots of people who also deserve to be going to Nationals . . . that aren't. And it's too much pressure, to think about how well I'll compete compared to how well they would have competed. I had awesome rounds last year, but I'm afraid my debates won't be as awesome this year.

Last year, I met a bajillion new people. (Cos, you know, that's what happens when you walk next to Katie through the halls. No joke.) Chilling with the Rileys and getting to know the awesome that is Daniel. Hiding from the Nazis photoshoots in stairwells. Private showings of people's speeches. Talking Apple tech with Elliot. Jon's awesome nicknames and playing PIG at the Drury Inn. Watching people run around in the epic downpour. Hair styling parties with Bekah, Becka, and Eden. Talking with Sharon while we waited for our mothers, and laughing over the Nathan Brown incident. Chelsea stalking Zach. Reconnecting with friends from opens and debate camp. And probably the single most memorable thing for me from last year, the epic conversations I had with Andrew, Mr. Fiore, Lennae, Michael, Kristen, and Rebecca. We do it all the time now, but for me it was the first time I shared my questions with other people and successfully had deep, meaningful conversations.

And I'll stop now before this turns into even more of a ridiculous nostalgia fest!

I know I'm not going to Nationals to have fun. I'm going to compete. I know that. But in addition to competing to the best of my ability, I hope I have fun, too. I want to get to know people, and I want to learn things, and I want to make memories. Competition is only so valuable. I just hope my expectations for this coming national tournament aren't not too high.

Freedom Tourney Detox

I had so much to repent of on the ride home from Freedom. My insecurities, my silent judging, my verbal judging, my self-centeredness, my complaining, my criticism, my laziness, my conceit, my many, many failures. Experiences and relationships. The competition, too. Eating the humble pie of a record that was not what I expected it to be and my first first place placing that according to my ballots was a fluke. The rounds I should have won and the rounds I wasn't supposed to win. The people I was supposed to talk to and the people I ignored. Reading that same chapter in Lamentations over and over again, and not understanding.

But this is how good God is.

The pattern: Hayley realizes how fallen and stupid she is. Hayley wallows in said stupidness. Hayley gets depressed and feels like she can't change. Hayley realizes how self-centered this is and gets over herself. Eventually.

But God wasn't about to allow me to repeat this pattern this time, I think. 

Right before I left, Mrs. Rock grabbed me and told me, "Trust God, when you don't understand, surrender your confusion and trust Him." She was my constant cheerleader through the tournament, telling me I looked lovely and was talented every time I started to feel wilted or was tempted to stop trying my hardest. In fact, throughout the tournament, there was always encouragement in the moment I needed it. It was almost like God was grabbing me by the shoulders saying, "Don't give up, it's not about you, keep trying." When I felt left out, He sent someone to give me a hug, giving me the love to pass on to someone else. When I felt ill-prepared He gave me the guts to work harder. He said, "You messed up, but my grace is still sufficient for you. Have peace, rest in Me."

The Foundation for Economic Education is amazing. Almost as amazing as your face.

Nationals 2007: Blow by Blow

Originally posted to Xanga on June 26, 2007

So this is what happened at Nationals 07, in Belton of Texas:

We stayed at the Riley's house! We had wicked delays leaving Providence (which is actually Warwick, but Rhode Island is so small it doesn't really matter) and didn't get to their house until midnight. I decided I hated travelling. But it was so, so, so wonderful to see the Rileys! And their house is amazing. And dangerous. But mostly amazing. :D

Then we leave for Belton, doing a caravan type thing. We get to our hotel and it's a little skeavy. I think I could have handled it, though. Except, Mom and I took a walk around. It was a little scary. Then we find out that the Rileys' room's door doesn't lock!! Sammy could push the door open. Brilliant. Mrs. Riley went through the phone book trying to find hotels with room available. Belton is wicked small, so I don't know how she did it, but we got the last two suites at Comfort Suites with the Pensons. Talk about an upgrade! It was wonderful. :D Also, we went to KFC at 9:30 for a bite to eat . . . yucky yucky.

Monday morning finds us at the campus, with exposers and extempers and R10ers walking around! It was so great to see people!! Actually, it was a bit awkward and I felt a little out of my element, but it was fine. I survived. And I tried on Kate's snood. Sam taxied us over to the expos building, and I settled in to watch a panel. And the fire alarm goes off. And it was primarily the R10 people giving their speeches. With a fire alarm going off. Oh yes, it was great. I would talk about the opening ceremony, but alas, I don't remember it. At all.

Tuesday morning I was tired and nervous and not feeling to well. But who really feels amazing at tourneys? (Probably the boys who play basketball during breaks and sweat. Ew.) We had to go pick up Sabrina because her mom wasn't feeling well. And on the way to the campus I blow chunks. All over my jean jacket. All over the car. Thankfully not all over Sabrina. I actually wasn't embarrassed as much as I thought I would have been. So we go to the bathroom so I can clean myself up (oh, did I mention I forced down a mini muffin and orange juice for breakfast? Don't try to picture it.) and we meet Hannah Walhen, and I vomit more. I felt like crud. This was not nervous butterflies.

A woman heard me throwing up and saw my mom washing my shirt in the sink, prayed with her, and told her that there was an infirmary I could go to. We waited 20 minutes or so for Nurse Debbie to arrive. I threw up more. Nurse Debbie talked with my mom and got me a cold pack for the back of my neck. I felt miserable. Mom went to forfeight my debate round and get some ice. While she was gone Nurse Debbie set me up with a bed, Mrs. Edelblut came and prayed over me, I slept and threw up, Dr. Smith came to see me, and at noon we went back to the hotel. I tried to go back to the campus to do an apologetics round, but when we were there I almost threw up again. Mom had to talk with Mrs. Rossi and Mr. Larimer -- we had to decide on a status for my competition.

So I withdrew from debate. I forfeighted three IE rounds. I missed Katei's birthday. And Wednesday morning I was better. Shakey, weak, a bit nauseated, but well enough to compete. Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Rossi had been calling us repeatedly for updates on my condition, and I felt so loved that they care even though they were so busy. Everyone I bumped into on the campus asked me how I was feeling and they made me a card! It was so sweet -- I felt so loved. I watched two debate rounds that were bittersweet, gave three speeches, had a nice talks with various people, and went to the social. That was bittersweet too. As excited as I was for Hannah and Sabrina, I was sad for Micah and Andrew.

Thurday I watched speeches, mostly Reg10n people, and I taped hardly anything. I really didn't get much accomplished at all. I was mostly stuck in the Maybee building because of the rain. But after supper breaks were announced and Paul & Tim and John & Manda were in quarters!! Not against each other, of course, but debating!! We ran (actually, I insisted on walking) through the rain to a far far building on the end of the campus to watch Tim and Paul's round. We waited there for an hour. Then they moved us to a different building. Their round didn't start until 9ish due to complications. But Thursday was a fun day. Disney songs and pickles in vending machines and rapping and corn dogs and birthday songs . . .

Friday was all a fog. We missed break announcements, but were pleased to hear how our region was getting on. It rained. A lot. I was stuck in Maybee again and had an obnoxious ordeal with taping speeches! The tournament ran mostly on schedule. I watched the final LD round, and parts of the final TP round, and then came the awards ceremony. And you know, I usually sleep through Mrs. Moon's speech, but it was really great this time. Really great. After the awards ceremony and ballots and pictures everyone was like, hey, come to Chili's! And we get to Chili's and they're like, "Chili's is fully -- come to IHOP!" And so we go next door to IHOP and they're like, "IHOP is full -- we're having pizza at La Quinta!" And so we partied at La Quinta. That was the greatest. Saying goodbye to everyone, Katie especially, was really sad, even though we were gonna see the Rileys back at the hotel.

Nationals 07 was something else. For more pictures check out my Photobucket albumn.