2016新歓ブログリレー６・Masako’s Blog “Debate and me”

The truth is, I was WRONG.  The model debate I watched during shinkan literally astonished, mesmerized, captivated me. Passionate and adrenalized debaters in fervent atmosphere speaking alluring English… that was enough to tell me that parliamentary debating, an impromptu debating where you have to think what you have to say on the spot, was not insipid at all but rather exceptionally inspiring. Right after watching the model debate I signed up for the dinner and loved the warm, inclusive yet earnest atmosphere (there were also no coercions of drinking at all :D) of KDS. I knew this was where I wanted to be – a place where you can not only enhance your English and logical thinking skills but also laugh and have fun with your marvelous mates.

Elizabeth Cup 2015

2 What I gained through debating

Out of the myriad of blessings given by debating and debating societies, today I will focus on two.

チーフ

A. People

So, what kind of people are debaters? Debaters are no different from people surrounding you right now. Some are more outgoing and would start singing whenever popular songs are put on; some are more introverted and shy. The unique characteristics of debaters are that they are open-minded, have their own ideologies in their head, and pay close attention to social issues, and I think those characteristics are what counts the most. The whole entire debating communities are inclusive; debaters will accept you just the way you are; you will be able to live as your true self whenever you are with them. The open-mindedness happens because through debating, debaters are constantly washed away their stereotypes and are exposed to new aspects/ideas. The second unique characteristic of debaters is that they possess their strong beliefs inside their mind, and sometimes those beliefs will deeply inspire you. Oh, and I think it’s quite unnatural and therefore wonderful that with debaters you can talk about relationships at one point and then switch the topic to social issues (ISIS, feminist movement, politics, etc…) in  an instant:)
P.S. when I say debating community, this is not only limited to people from KDS but also people from various universities (Waseda, Tokyo, Hitotsubashi, etc). You will have a plenty of opportunities to be close friends with them!

B. True sense of joy & pleasure

There is no doubt that debating is an inspirational, fun, exciting competition. Yet, there is also no doubt that no one would be completely satisfied with themselves every time s/he debates; you will surely have some ups and downs. But the thing is, although you would feel more or less frustrated and depressed by debating, joy of winning, pleasure of getting compliments, and desire to new rounds override those negative sensations. When you win awards and trophies, you feel that you are blessed. Even when you lose, when someone tells you that s/he particularly liked your speech, you know that your effort has paid off. The sense of joy and pleasure become meaningful especially when you have used your brain to the full extent, which happens quite often in debating.

3 What I want to say to newcomers

KDS welcomes those who wish to enter; it doesn’t matter whether you are a returnee or not. It doesn’t matter whether you want to dedicate your university life on debating or focus on other events as well; as long as you have some interests on parliamentary debating, and as long as you do want to belong to KDS, we are always welcoming you, and I as a chief will make sure that this happens. Think of entering KDS as an opportunity that you have been granted; whether you take that opportunity or not is up to you. If you decide to take the opportunity, you will be joining us to walk the challenging yet thrilling path of debating. Hope to see you soon! 🙂

Thank you Masako! We’re all really proud to promote KDS to you! Feel free to come to our practice and dinner!

新歓ブログリレーはあしたまでとなります。７日目となる明日は、３年生の干場さんに担当してもらいます。お楽しみに！最後までどうかお付き合いください！

ここで、新歓コンパの紹介です！

新歓コンパ：４月１０日（日）＠渋谷Bar Jack　18:00-20:00

17:30に渋谷駅集合の予定です。参加したい方は、人数を把握したいので何らかの方法でこちらに連絡をくださるとうれしいです！

毎年多くの方に参加していただいてます。もう入部を決めた方も、まだ迷っている方も、どなたでも参加できます。KDSやディベートのことを知ることができるだけではなく、メンバーや新入生同士で仲良くなれる最高の機会だと思うので、ぜひぜひいらしてください！