Dec 04, 2023 At 12:09 PM EDT
As we enter this season of reflection and gratitude, I want to express my appreciation for debate, an activity that has shaped my life and the lives of countless students in the New York City Urban Debate League (NYCUDL).
Debate is often associated with high-stakes presidential campaigns or courtroom dramas. But student debate in our public schools isn't focused on this. Instead, our focus is on the realistic and crucial moments of growth that debate provides, where students can develop the skills and strategies necessary in every facet of their lives.
From my own experience as a debater, I learned how to conduct thorough research to argue both sides of an issue, how to develop logical points and how to persuade. And importantly, I learned how to collaborate with my debate partner by recognizing that he had strengths where I had weaknesses, and we combined our collective skills to find success.
Debate, at its core, is not about proving yourself right and your opponent wrong; it is a journey of articulating, defending and occasionally adjusting your stance.
For example, the topic we debated in 1978, "Should the United States be energy independent," was an outgrowth of the OPEC oil embargo, but in many ways is as relevant today as we reckon with the renewable energy transition. At the time, I became a fan of nuclear energy instead of coal-fired power plants, and I learned about trade wars as well as the value of economic interdependence and global supply chains.
The power of debate lies not only in the lessons it teaches but also in the proven outcomes it yields. Academic success is common among debaters, including better engagement in school, strong grades, better test scores and a higher likelihood to pursue a college education.
We engaged in high school debate for a few short years, yet the skills gained have proven to be lifelong assets. In my daily work—from town hall meetings at work to earnings calls as a public company CFO and negotiating M&A deals—I see the impact of my time as a debater. The research, questioning and advocacy skills I learned in debate rounds have remained a part of who I am today.
Thinking of the students in the NYCUDL, I am reminded of the journey our organization has gone through. As a founding member of the League's board, I remember our modest beginnings with 100 students from 10 schools. Today, I take pride in our ability to bring debate to 3,100 students from over 200 schools. What's more, over 80 percent of our students hail from diverse backgrounds and 80 percent of our schools cater to underserved populations.
Through debate programs tailored to meet the needs of the wide variety of our students, we partner with teachers and local school districts to provide debaters with an experience that I know is life-changing.
As I reflect on what I am thankful for this holiday season, I see the connection between my life—my skills, career and abilities—and the time I spent in debate.
Debate is not just an extracurricular activity, it is a means for personal and academic development that was transformative for me. I am grateful for debate, and I am honored to play a role in bringing this empowering activity to the next generation of diverse, informed and courageous leaders with the NYCUDL. I hope you will join me in supporting the NYCUDL's Grateful for Debate campaign!
Eric Aboaf is the vice chairman and chief financial officer of State Street Corporation. A former high school policy debater, Eric is a founding member of the NYCUDL board and has served as chairman of the board for three years.
