Aashi Chhabra

I remember the first time I placed at a varsity competition my sophomore year. I was in disbelief, and ecstatic beyond compare as I walked across the stage to accept my plaque. I started competing at the varsity level as a freshman- something not done by many on my team- and faced many hurdles. What my time in debate gave to me was resilience. After being knocked down after a competition, I was motivated to do better the next time. And sure enough, my effort, patience, and hard work would pay off. I learned how to give and receive constructive feedback, and how to block out distractions or feelings of nervousness while public speaking.

I grew so much as a speaker, leader, and researcher on the PBHS Speech and Debate team as I pushed myself and availed the many opportunities the team offered to me. Life is not going to be an easy path, and speech and debate competitions taught me that in order to achieve my goals, I’d have to learn how to grow, adapt, and remain firm in my beliefs as they were tested.

These tests prepared me for the long career path I have chosen - medicine! I will be beginning medical school this fall at the Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (aka NSU MD), and I know I would not have become the strong, well-spoken, resilient, and adaptable individual that I am without my time on the speech and debate team.”