Last night, I had the privilege of standing on the stage at the Veritas 9th Annual Scholarship Benefit Gala, and words can’t quite describe my gratitude.
As the summary speaker in our debate, I stepped to the podium carrying the weight of the arguments before me and the responsibility to close our case with clarity and conviction. Debating has taught me more than rhetoric, but it’s taught me how to think under pressure, how to listen deeply, and how to advocate for ideas I believe in.
But beyond the debate itself, the Gala was a celebration of growth for all of us. Looking around at my fellow scholars, the mentors who poured into us, and the community that showed up to invest in our futures (including a remarkable $75,000 UPS Scholarship Grant to The Veritas Schools), I was reminded that none of this happens in isolation. We are built by the people who believe in us before we fully believe in ourselves, in which I have witnessed firsthand.
When I think about who I was when I first walked into the admission rounds to get accepted into this program, versus who I am today, the intellect, the discipline, and the voice I’ve found, makes me proud of who I’ve changed into.
This chapter is closing, and the next one begins at Harvard in a few days to continue my journey in debate. I’ll carry every lesson, every VERY late night, every challenging conversation, and every moment of this community with me as I walk through those doors.
Thank you Brandon P. Fleming and Tameka Thomas, Ed.S. for everything you do for this organization, as well as Jacquelyn Berry.
