MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Cross Country/Mary's Track & Field members Kaela Dishion and Ally Sullivan spent their Jan Term learning the intricacies of structured argumentation and debate in Jan Term 35. At the end of the semester, they put their skills to the test at the "Winter at the Beach" tournament held at Long Beach State. Dishion and Sullivan quickly proved themselves as top of the class, arguing their way through seven rounds to reach the semifinals. Below, Kaela and Ally answered some questions regarding their experience with debate and how it translates outside of the classroom.  
 
Is this your first experience with debate?
 
KD: Yes, this was my first experience with debate.
AS: Yes, this is my very first experience with debate.
 
What was the experience like at the "Winter at the Beach" tournament?
 
KD: The "Winter at the Beach" tournament seemed very overwhelming and scary at first because we had never participated in debate competition before and didn't really know where we stood in terms of understanding the material. However, after winning the very first round that we participated in, it became exciting and we became more engaged. Throughout the entire tournament we really developed an idea of how to debate correctly.
AS: This was unlike any other experience I have had. Coming from never doing any kind of academic competition to a college debate tournament was really exciting and nerve racking.

What was the atmosphere like at the tournament and how did it feel to get through the first seven rounds to reach the semifinal?
 
KD: The atmosphere at the tournament was very friendly and full of people who were very into debating. Everyone who was there besides the people from Saint Mary's was on a debate team (for us it was a requirement for our class) and had experience with competitive debate. Advancing through seven rounds and reaching the semifinal was very exciting and satisfying, especially considering the very little experience (which was around three weeks) we had with debate compared to those we were competing against (which ranged from a few months to a few years). Debate coaches/teachers from other schools were approaching us and complimenting us, encouraging us to continue with debate, and in one case actually recruiting us to come do debate at their school. 
 
AS: The atmosphere was very relaxed. We first showed up, and Kaela and I both had no idea how a debate tournament was set up. We couldn't find the other people haha. Once we got settled into the classroom we just got to work preparing ourselves. The debating began and we clicked into gear. I read my evidence like I had read it a million times, faster and faster. The rounds flew by, and it was very mentally challenging, but being runners we are pretty used to that haha.
 
How has/will this experience translate to your everyday life?
 
KD: This experience has definitely translated into my everyday life by allowing me to have more of an open mind. Instead of listening to reply to people I now try to listen to understand. I have also been able to integrate my understanding of the topics that we covered in debate into other classes, situations, and general awareness of the world. Such topics include nuclearism, nuclear policy, drone usage, impeachment, wages, capitalism, immigration, etc.
AS:  It has helped me gain a new confidence in the classroom. Having people come up to me at the tournament telling us they were very impressed by us, it changes how I originally thought of myself academically. Being someone who never made the spelling bee team to making it a semifinal in a college debate is definitely a confidence booster.

Beyond the debate class, how has your experience been so far at Saint Mary's in your freshman year?
 
KD: Beyond the debate class, my experience at Saint Mary's has been great so far. Between school, cross country/track, and social interactions I have definitely experienced growth on all levels and look forward to the upcoming years and semesters.
AS: I have had a great experience so far. The small classroom-size has helped me to really connect with professors and other students. Cross country and track have been a great experience: the team is my built-in family and I love being a part of such a special group with a great team culture.