by Taylor Bryant
The University of West Georgia debate team of Saleema Lee and Monique Hyman qualified as finalists in the novice division at the Southeastern Cross Examination Debate Association Regional District 6 Collegiate Policy Debate Tournament. The tournament, held at the University of West Georgia, included 11 universities and over 100 debaters.
The team managed to compile a 5-1 record, defeating teams from the University of Miami, Emory, Vanderbilt, and Florida State. Saleema, a sophomore majoring in pre-nursing, only joined UWG debate in fall 2014, making this her first time ever competing in a debate tournament on any level.
“Doing so well in debate is incredibly affirming in relation to self-actualization,” said Saleema. “Challenging myself intellectually has exalted new ways of critical thinking, and I am more than excited to see what else is in store.”
The victories didn’t stop there for Monique and Saleema. Individually, they also impressed the judges. Monique was recognized as the top speaker of the tournament, and Saleema as the second top speaker.
“Debate has forged new pathways of critical thinking that I didn’t know existed prior to my engagement,” added Monique, a senior English major. “Through my participation, I’ve enhanced so many skills that have stemmed the generation of new knowledge that will serve me for the rest of my scholastic career.”
This year’s resolution is “The United States should legalize all or nearly all of one or more of the following in the United States: marijuana, online gambling, physician-assisted suicide, prostitution, sale of human organs.”
UWG Debate will compete at the American Debate Association National Championship at the University of Georgia in Athens, March 13-15.
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