Dec 27, 2024 At 07:07 AM EDT
When I was in middle school, I was just a bored kid looking for something, anything to fill my time. I didn't really care what I did; I just wanted something to do. That's when I stumbled upon the Tulsa Debate League. At first, it was just a random club, something to keep me busy after school. Stepping into that room for the first time would set me on a path I never could have imagined.
I still remember my first debate vividly. I had no clue what I was doing. My voice shook with nerves, and my arguments were clumsy. But somewhere between the fear and the adrenaline, I felt something spark inside me. Debate wasn't just about arguing; it was about thinking critically, crafting a case and finding my own voice. Slowly but surely, I adapted to this unfamiliar world. By the end of my first year, I had not only found confidence but also earned a spot in the Middle School Urban Debate League National Tournament.
For a kid who knew nothing about debate just months before, that achievement felt like a dream. As the year went on, my passion for debate only deepened. The lessons I learned in those early rounds stayed with me, shaping my approach to each argument, case and rebuttal. Along the way, I found a teammate who became my partner in the highs and lows of debate. Together, we navigated countless tournaments, pushing each other to grow and excel. He is still my partner, and even more importantly, my closest friend.
Then, COVID happened and everything changed. The pandemic brought the world to a halt, and debate was no exception. Gone were the lively, face-to-face debates filled with passion and energy. In their place were virtual screens, muted microphones and a learning curve no one saw coming. It was challenging, but I wasn't ready to give up on something that had become such an important part of my life. I adapted, persisted and found ways to keep improving, even in this new reality. And that drive carried me to my success as I entered and went through high school. Competing at the national level in the Urban Debate National Championship (UDNC) three times wasn't just about trophies or recognition. It became a lesson in discipline, patience and resilience. Debate taught me that success doesn't come overnight. It's about the countless hours spent preparing, practicing and refining even when it feels like no one is watching.
Now that I am a senior, I reflect on this journey with a lot of gratitude. Debate has given me so much more than I ever expected: a voice, a purpose and a community where I truly belong. However, this year, it's no longer just about my growth. It's about leaving something behind. I've taken on the role of a mentor, working with middle and high school students to help them discover the same confidence and opportunity I found all those years ago. I couldn't have done this alone. I owe so much to my coaches, the Tulsa Debate League and the mentors who paved the way for me. Their belief in me gave me the courage to grow, to challenge myself and to persevere even when it felt impossible. These organizations didn't just give me an outlet, they gave me a future. They opened doors for students like me to rise above challenges, to find our voices and to make a difference.
Debate has taught me that words have power, not just to win rounds but to inspire change. As I prepare to close this chapter of my life, my greatest hope is that I've helped spark that same fire in the next generation of debaters. Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's this: Our voices matter.
Yobani Bustos Catalan is a bilingual senior at Will Rogers High School. He has competed in countless policy debate tournaments since the age of 12 and received numerous accolades for his efforts—including qualifying for NAUDL nationals three times and earning NSDA's degree of special distinction. In addition to debate, Yobani is incredibly active in extracurricular activities including serving as the student council president and mentor for the next generation. He will graduate high school with over 30 college credits. He plans to attend college next year and hopes to continue to mentor debate students in his community.
