When the question "What was the most influential part of High School?" is posed I never hesitate to say the organization that, without sounding cliche, saved my life. As a freshman I was very confused and extremely defiant. Without a care in the world of how I was perceived, or any plans for my future, I was in a constant battle with authority.
During Thanksgiving time, my freshman year, I was introduced to the National Hispanic Institute. This organization helps to create leaders and articulate debaters in the Hispanic community. Through this program, and the course of four years, I have met the most amazing people, challenged myself mentally and emotionally, and grown as a person. I went from this rebellious kid with no future, to an articulate debater and role model. When I try to explain what NHI and the Texas Great Debate is everyone looks at me like I'm crazy. No one understands the intensity or the emotional roller coaster of the debate or how the program could mean so much to me. Without exaggeration it saved my life and I would not be me without it.
(Here are 2 videos from my senior year in the program. The first is a prediction of the 07 debate and the second is my team winning for the 5th out of 6 years in a row!)
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