No title is appropriate for such an entry
So districts were this weekend.
It was more of a repeat of States than Harvard, but whatever. Like Mike said, I'm proud of us. My only wish was that I, we, were coming back next year.
Freshmen year feels like it was only...a few months ago. It's scary and weird and crazy to think that it was, in reality, FOUR YEARS ago that I first began this thing called forensics.
I didn't even know about it. My mother told me about it after reading the booklet of activities on my Peer Leadership tour of the school. She told me I'd like it because it was the debate club, so I figured, "hey, why not, I'll give it a try." So I went to the first meeting. I sat next to Jen and Sam. I learned that we actually competed; I thought that was so cool. I learned that there were 9 other categories in addition to Debate, and that made up the "Speech" portion of Forensics. I remember this one senior was going to give us an example of what an "Impromptu" would be. She left the room for 3 minutes, came back, and told us a story about pancakes for 4 minutes. I was amazed that she could come up with such a funny story in a mere 3 minutes. I swear to God, I remember thinking to myself "I would so like to do that if I could, I'd never be good at doing something like that". Some more foreshadowing: when Dani and Kim preformed their Duo, I was so intrigued. Again, I just never thought I had the talent, skill, or creativity to do any of the speech categories.
So I stuck with Debate. I remember Ken-Doug and Baia sitting down with me, Sam, and Jen and teaching us all the rules while the other people played football in the hall. I remember JHo teaching us how to flow. I remember Jen having nightmares about not writing cases properly the week of Hanover Park I. I remember everything about HP1 my freshmen year, from Baia threatening me to break on the bus, to what I wore, to Richard Bodnard-a man I had heard so much about-judging me in my 1st ever LD break round. That day is just clear in my head--Serafina couldn't stop shivering from the cold, and so KenDoug bought her a hot chocolate. The kid I was opposing in Final Round asked if I would ever scream "Fire" in a crowded building. Jho, Jordan Dascal, and KenDoug, I'm pretty sure, were all judges in addition to competitors that day--we used to do that in the Smith/McEvoy era. Then, awards ceremony...they were unbelievable. I was so surprised to take home 5th place that day. To this day, it's my only LD break. I was amused by the chants on the bus-I still miss "Blue Blue" to this day- and the singing-like "Faith", which was "the" forensics song of the time. I was hooked to this club from this day on.
After HP1, I never broke again. I only missed 2 tournaments the entire year, neither of which were my choice. I remember calling Serafina at ALJ to tell her the lockers were puke yellow--she then told us she was sick and throwing up. I remember nearly punching Anthony Sanicola in the face at the home tournament--if it were not for Ben, I definitely would have. I remember the cow incident at states (still probably the funniest thing to happen over the last four years). I remember doing incredibly horrible at states. I remember bringing Maya George to states cause no other freshmen could. And for those of you counting at home: Sam and I start our very strange love/then hate relationship.
The banquet was saddening only because I loved the club so much. I sat with Sam, Jen, and Sera, back when she did forensics. I didn't miss the seniors, I hardly knew them. Mac and Smith never bothered to learn my name. I didn't really feel like part of the club.
But I came back as a sophomore. Sam and I managed to recruit Kait, Joe, and Anllo as freshmen. They, along with Colleen and Diana, became "my freshmen". I started the year off with...Extemp with Joe. I really don't know what we were thinking. I think it was because I hadn't done well with LD and didn't feel like writing a case for one tournament and Extemp was a no-prep necessary thing. Needless to say, we did poorly. I continued with LD, and continued to just be mediocre, usually going 2-2. I was starting to get bored with it, but I remember the rest of the team being an LD powerhouse. I admired Rachel Segal, Baia, KenDoug, JHo, Jackie Levy, Kim, and Dani. It was also sophomore year that I met K-Mack and got "closer" with Kim. In the words of Kim himself, "That was an interesting part of my life". I remember Long Branch and Morristown so well. KenDoug and Baia dressed in Braveheart uniform and won the freaking tournament (Quite possibly, funniest moment #2). I don't really remember a whole lot else from Sophomore year. It was, however, the year that I first learned of the talent of Tiffany and Michele with their "Wayside School" piece and Joe and Sam with "8 Rules to Dating my Teenage Daughter"--thus, I still wanted to do a Duo and my dislike for LD was growing. I got a lot closer to the freshmen, and Sam and I continued our love/then hate friendship throughout the year...up until March when I stopped talking to her altogether.
I cried this time at the banquet. I wondered how we'd do well without Jackie in OO and (I think) Prose, or all the debaters. I was so upset KenDoug was going to Scotland because I knew I'd never see him again (and sure enough, I haven't seen him since the last day of my sophomore year of high school). I loved those seniors--I really only still talk to JHo and Baia from time to time. I still didn't really feel like I belonged though, even though I didn't miss one tournament.
But I came back as a junior. Like I said before, I was hooked. I was getting tired of LD though, so I decided to switch into Impromptu at Randolph. I was scared; I'm not that creative of a person. But, I didn't want to do LD, I didn't know what else to do, and I didn't need any preparation for Impromptu. Naturally, I sucked and went 6-4-5 or something very close (honestly, I still think I deserved the 2 in my second round). I enjoyed doing it, none-the-less, and continued to do it all year. I was so freaking excited when I broke at Millburn...I even jumped on Kim (we weren't on the best of terms at the time). I came pretty close to breaking a handful of other times; there was usually 1 round that just fucked me up. The rest of Junior Year forensics was much like Junior Year itself: blah. I was upset the seniors from last year graduated; I never felt included or part of the club; I wasn't speaking to Sam; my hopes of a board position were slim to none; and I was immeasurably upset when I was not invited to Harvard. I questioned why I bothered to wake up so early on Saturdays and why I even bothered with the club.
I did, however, enjoy meeting all the new freshmen. I did enjoy seeing what "Ethnic Girl" would wear to the next tournament. I remember meeting and soon after disliking Marla. And I remember being glad I switched to speech; the people were nicer and I had more fun with it.
At the banquet, I was bitter. I disliked so many of the seniors--I just wanted it to be my year. The only one I really miss is K-Mack cause she is more awesome than words. And like I suspected, I didn't get a board position, but I'm not going to complain about the fake one that allows me to go to meetings. But for everything I hated about that year, states made up for it. It's still one of the best moments of high school ever. Anllo and I cried so hard that night; not because the seniors were leaving, but because we did so well and it finally hit me that next year at this time, I would be the one graduating.
So, duh, I came back as a senior. Although I liked Impromptu, I had been meaning to find an HI all of junior year. I went to Barnes and Noble for about 2 hours and found nothing. The next day at practice, I looked through Apter's Laurie Notaro book. I found this piece called "My Mother, My Self, My God" at work, and decided "I'll give it a try...I could always change it". And I had intended to change it, but I'm so lazy that I kept it. And, well, I haven't done so bad with it. I double-broke a couple of times and I've had fun with it; I'm a little sad to retire it, actually. By December, I realized Impromptu really isn't what is used to be, and so I jokingly asked if anyone would do a Duo with me at Philipsburg. Sam and Mike were both willing; the only difference was Mike was serious. So, after much deliberation, we decided on Jumanji. Mike worded extremely hard on it and it was ready to go by Elizabeth. Had I not fucked up 1st round, we would have broke, but whatever--he was very understanding. The rest, as they say, is history. After he realizing his HI wouldn’t be ready in time and after our 4th place ALJ break (it's the nicest trophy I have), he told me he'd like to do it at Harvard. I was overjoyed, we made the change, and eventually octafinaled. States and Districts were disappointing to say the least, but we've had a good run and I'm proud of us, like I said when this huge entry first started. I kinda wish I had done my HI in addition to Duo at districts, but I can't change that now.
Enough of me and Mike though...this season was INCREDIBLY AMAZING to say the VERY least. I can't believe we've made such a transition from the most hated LD powerhouse to the friendly speech beasts. I am so, so proud to be part of the 2006 team, and for the 1st time, I feel like I really belong. I am so happy to have gotten to be such good friends with Mike, Locke, Katie, Josh, Garson, and Sam again. I had my doubts this year about how well we would do, but I really believe we are all so talented, dedicated, and caring of one another. I wouldn't dream of being on any other team in the NFL. I was a little upset over the new changes, but in end, I'm really glad we've made them.
So did I go out with a "bang"?
Maybe not.
But that doesn't matter because I have gotten so much more out of forensics than the trophies (although those were always really sweet).
I don't think I will ever forget what Melissa said to me at Fridays after states. She told me that I was a role model, that she appreciated all the help I gave her, how she will continue to talk about me for as long as she's in high school, how funny she thought I was on the 1st meeting this year, how awesome she thought I was, and how much she would miss me next year. It made me cry, and when I was feeling like complete shit, she brought a smile to my face. To know that I had that kind of impact on a freshmen is...wow. It was truly touching, and quite possibly the nicest thing someone has ever said to me.
Forensics has not only changed my life, it has changed me as a person. I think my transition from LD to Speech and entering in HI is the fault of this. Ask anyone in an interp. category and they'll tell you, they pop in everyday life, every person they talk about has a different voice. I am no longer the quiet, shy girl who keeps to herself and her close friends, afraid to meet someone new. People who have known me for just the past 2 years don't believe I did LD for 2 years; I am loud, obnoxious, always cracking a joke or making fun of someone, I am comfortable with who I am, I am not afraid to make fun of myself, open up to my friends, or meet someone new. It's so weird to think that I was the senior who preformed the practice Impromptu this year, and the freshmen thought I was the funny, creative one. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe it has nothing to do with forensics, but I really believe I wouldn't be who I am had I not decided to try something new 2 years ago.
And in addition to all this, I've met some amazing people along the way. There's been Colleen, Diana, Jen, Sam, Joe, Anllo, Mike, Garson, Katie, Kim, JHo, Ken-Doug, Baia, K-Mack, Katie, Locke, Josh, Alanna, Priyanka, Sam, Sam Lewis, Dan, and anyone else in that club. I had every intention of becoming better friends with Garson, Katie, Locke, and Mike this year. But I had no idea how close we would actually all become. I mean, I didn't even like Josh in the beginning of the year, and now, I'd say he's one of my favorite people. Forensics is a large part of the reason Jen and I have gotten so much closer this year and why I consider Anllo my little sister and why I've kept in touch with Joe in high school.
It's so nice to end my senior year with closer relations within the club, but elsewhere as well. I cannot believe how nice the Duo kids are; over the past couple of months, we have become as friendly as the NJFL has let us. Maybe I'd believe Joe and say Tiffany and Michele, Brandon and Eric are a phony nice if Eric had not invited us over his house. Call me naive, but I honestly believe they are genuinely good people; all of them. I love that I am leaving being on friendly terms with the other Duo teams and kids I competed with in HI. A year ago, I would have never gotten a hug from anyone on another team. But this year, my friend Kelsey from Randolph gave me a huge hug, Camillo Bruno told me he better see me come back to judge next year, Eric Meyers gave me his screen name, Cydni Jiordano and John Florio told Mike and me that Ridge warms up with our Jumanji dance, Elizabeth kids told us our piece was one of the funniest things they've seen all year, Bianca from Elizabeth swapped school stories with Joe, Anllo, and me, I got a hug from B-Rod, I had actual conversations with Cory, shared some laughs with Maddie Patrick, found out people were upset to learn I wasn't doing HI at districts. The list goes on and on. I want to thank Garson, because I think he worked the hardest for it, for making the team more respectable in the eyes of the other teams in the NJFL because they are some of the most talented, wonderful people I have ever met and I would have never talked to them if we were still so disliked.
I guess what I was trying to say in this incredibly LONG entry was this:
High school would have NEVER been the same without all those Saturdays. The only regret I have is that I had done Speech for all 4 years and the only wish I have is that I were coming back next year. But I'm not going to complain; it's been a phenomenal 4 years and as much as I have cursed off the alarm clock at 6 on a Saturday morning or cried because I didn't break or wish I had said this instead of that, I wouldn't trade anything because then it wouldn't have been the same. It was what it was, and now it's all over.
To everyone I've met over the past four years, to everyone who has made my forensics "career" what it was, to all the seniors this year: I owe you a big THANK YOU.
Good luck next year, guys. I know you'll be better than ever, back with a vengeance.
Good-bye Forensics,
It's been crazy, fun, stressful, and truly unbelievable.
It was more of a repeat of States than Harvard, but whatever. Like Mike said, I'm proud of us. My only wish was that I, we, were coming back next year.
Freshmen year feels like it was only...a few months ago. It's scary and weird and crazy to think that it was, in reality, FOUR YEARS ago that I first began this thing called forensics.
I didn't even know about it. My mother told me about it after reading the booklet of activities on my Peer Leadership tour of the school. She told me I'd like it because it was the debate club, so I figured, "hey, why not, I'll give it a try." So I went to the first meeting. I sat next to Jen and Sam. I learned that we actually competed; I thought that was so cool. I learned that there were 9 other categories in addition to Debate, and that made up the "Speech" portion of Forensics. I remember this one senior was going to give us an example of what an "Impromptu" would be. She left the room for 3 minutes, came back, and told us a story about pancakes for 4 minutes. I was amazed that she could come up with such a funny story in a mere 3 minutes. I swear to God, I remember thinking to myself "I would so like to do that if I could, I'd never be good at doing something like that". Some more foreshadowing: when Dani and Kim preformed their Duo, I was so intrigued. Again, I just never thought I had the talent, skill, or creativity to do any of the speech categories.
So I stuck with Debate. I remember Ken-Doug and Baia sitting down with me, Sam, and Jen and teaching us all the rules while the other people played football in the hall. I remember JHo teaching us how to flow. I remember Jen having nightmares about not writing cases properly the week of Hanover Park I. I remember everything about HP1 my freshmen year, from Baia threatening me to break on the bus, to what I wore, to Richard Bodnard-a man I had heard so much about-judging me in my 1st ever LD break round. That day is just clear in my head--Serafina couldn't stop shivering from the cold, and so KenDoug bought her a hot chocolate. The kid I was opposing in Final Round asked if I would ever scream "Fire" in a crowded building. Jho, Jordan Dascal, and KenDoug, I'm pretty sure, were all judges in addition to competitors that day--we used to do that in the Smith/McEvoy era. Then, awards ceremony...they were unbelievable. I was so surprised to take home 5th place that day. To this day, it's my only LD break. I was amused by the chants on the bus-I still miss "Blue Blue" to this day- and the singing-like "Faith", which was "the" forensics song of the time. I was hooked to this club from this day on.
After HP1, I never broke again. I only missed 2 tournaments the entire year, neither of which were my choice. I remember calling Serafina at ALJ to tell her the lockers were puke yellow--she then told us she was sick and throwing up. I remember nearly punching Anthony Sanicola in the face at the home tournament--if it were not for Ben, I definitely would have. I remember the cow incident at states (still probably the funniest thing to happen over the last four years). I remember doing incredibly horrible at states. I remember bringing Maya George to states cause no other freshmen could. And for those of you counting at home: Sam and I start our very strange love/then hate relationship.
The banquet was saddening only because I loved the club so much. I sat with Sam, Jen, and Sera, back when she did forensics. I didn't miss the seniors, I hardly knew them. Mac and Smith never bothered to learn my name. I didn't really feel like part of the club.
But I came back as a sophomore. Sam and I managed to recruit Kait, Joe, and Anllo as freshmen. They, along with Colleen and Diana, became "my freshmen". I started the year off with...Extemp with Joe. I really don't know what we were thinking. I think it was because I hadn't done well with LD and didn't feel like writing a case for one tournament and Extemp was a no-prep necessary thing. Needless to say, we did poorly. I continued with LD, and continued to just be mediocre, usually going 2-2. I was starting to get bored with it, but I remember the rest of the team being an LD powerhouse. I admired Rachel Segal, Baia, KenDoug, JHo, Jackie Levy, Kim, and Dani. It was also sophomore year that I met K-Mack and got "closer" with Kim. In the words of Kim himself, "That was an interesting part of my life". I remember Long Branch and Morristown so well. KenDoug and Baia dressed in Braveheart uniform and won the freaking tournament (Quite possibly, funniest moment #2). I don't really remember a whole lot else from Sophomore year. It was, however, the year that I first learned of the talent of Tiffany and Michele with their "Wayside School" piece and Joe and Sam with "8 Rules to Dating my Teenage Daughter"--thus, I still wanted to do a Duo and my dislike for LD was growing. I got a lot closer to the freshmen, and Sam and I continued our love/then hate friendship throughout the year...up until March when I stopped talking to her altogether.
I cried this time at the banquet. I wondered how we'd do well without Jackie in OO and (I think) Prose, or all the debaters. I was so upset KenDoug was going to Scotland because I knew I'd never see him again (and sure enough, I haven't seen him since the last day of my sophomore year of high school). I loved those seniors--I really only still talk to JHo and Baia from time to time. I still didn't really feel like I belonged though, even though I didn't miss one tournament.
But I came back as a junior. Like I said before, I was hooked. I was getting tired of LD though, so I decided to switch into Impromptu at Randolph. I was scared; I'm not that creative of a person. But, I didn't want to do LD, I didn't know what else to do, and I didn't need any preparation for Impromptu. Naturally, I sucked and went 6-4-5 or something very close (honestly, I still think I deserved the 2 in my second round). I enjoyed doing it, none-the-less, and continued to do it all year. I was so freaking excited when I broke at Millburn...I even jumped on Kim (we weren't on the best of terms at the time). I came pretty close to breaking a handful of other times; there was usually 1 round that just fucked me up. The rest of Junior Year forensics was much like Junior Year itself: blah. I was upset the seniors from last year graduated; I never felt included or part of the club; I wasn't speaking to Sam; my hopes of a board position were slim to none; and I was immeasurably upset when I was not invited to Harvard. I questioned why I bothered to wake up so early on Saturdays and why I even bothered with the club.
I did, however, enjoy meeting all the new freshmen. I did enjoy seeing what "Ethnic Girl" would wear to the next tournament. I remember meeting and soon after disliking Marla. And I remember being glad I switched to speech; the people were nicer and I had more fun with it.
At the banquet, I was bitter. I disliked so many of the seniors--I just wanted it to be my year. The only one I really miss is K-Mack cause she is more awesome than words. And like I suspected, I didn't get a board position, but I'm not going to complain about the fake one that allows me to go to meetings. But for everything I hated about that year, states made up for it. It's still one of the best moments of high school ever. Anllo and I cried so hard that night; not because the seniors were leaving, but because we did so well and it finally hit me that next year at this time, I would be the one graduating.
So, duh, I came back as a senior. Although I liked Impromptu, I had been meaning to find an HI all of junior year. I went to Barnes and Noble for about 2 hours and found nothing. The next day at practice, I looked through Apter's Laurie Notaro book. I found this piece called "My Mother, My Self, My God" at work, and decided "I'll give it a try...I could always change it". And I had intended to change it, but I'm so lazy that I kept it. And, well, I haven't done so bad with it. I double-broke a couple of times and I've had fun with it; I'm a little sad to retire it, actually. By December, I realized Impromptu really isn't what is used to be, and so I jokingly asked if anyone would do a Duo with me at Philipsburg. Sam and Mike were both willing; the only difference was Mike was serious. So, after much deliberation, we decided on Jumanji. Mike worded extremely hard on it and it was ready to go by Elizabeth. Had I not fucked up 1st round, we would have broke, but whatever--he was very understanding. The rest, as they say, is history. After he realizing his HI wouldn’t be ready in time and after our 4th place ALJ break (it's the nicest trophy I have), he told me he'd like to do it at Harvard. I was overjoyed, we made the change, and eventually octafinaled. States and Districts were disappointing to say the least, but we've had a good run and I'm proud of us, like I said when this huge entry first started. I kinda wish I had done my HI in addition to Duo at districts, but I can't change that now.
Enough of me and Mike though...this season was INCREDIBLY AMAZING to say the VERY least. I can't believe we've made such a transition from the most hated LD powerhouse to the friendly speech beasts. I am so, so proud to be part of the 2006 team, and for the 1st time, I feel like I really belong. I am so happy to have gotten to be such good friends with Mike, Locke, Katie, Josh, Garson, and Sam again. I had my doubts this year about how well we would do, but I really believe we are all so talented, dedicated, and caring of one another. I wouldn't dream of being on any other team in the NFL. I was a little upset over the new changes, but in end, I'm really glad we've made them.
So did I go out with a "bang"?
Maybe not.
But that doesn't matter because I have gotten so much more out of forensics than the trophies (although those were always really sweet).
I don't think I will ever forget what Melissa said to me at Fridays after states. She told me that I was a role model, that she appreciated all the help I gave her, how she will continue to talk about me for as long as she's in high school, how funny she thought I was on the 1st meeting this year, how awesome she thought I was, and how much she would miss me next year. It made me cry, and when I was feeling like complete shit, she brought a smile to my face. To know that I had that kind of impact on a freshmen is...wow. It was truly touching, and quite possibly the nicest thing someone has ever said to me.
Forensics has not only changed my life, it has changed me as a person. I think my transition from LD to Speech and entering in HI is the fault of this. Ask anyone in an interp. category and they'll tell you, they pop in everyday life, every person they talk about has a different voice. I am no longer the quiet, shy girl who keeps to herself and her close friends, afraid to meet someone new. People who have known me for just the past 2 years don't believe I did LD for 2 years; I am loud, obnoxious, always cracking a joke or making fun of someone, I am comfortable with who I am, I am not afraid to make fun of myself, open up to my friends, or meet someone new. It's so weird to think that I was the senior who preformed the practice Impromptu this year, and the freshmen thought I was the funny, creative one. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe it has nothing to do with forensics, but I really believe I wouldn't be who I am had I not decided to try something new 2 years ago.
And in addition to all this, I've met some amazing people along the way. There's been Colleen, Diana, Jen, Sam, Joe, Anllo, Mike, Garson, Katie, Kim, JHo, Ken-Doug, Baia, K-Mack, Katie, Locke, Josh, Alanna, Priyanka, Sam, Sam Lewis, Dan, and anyone else in that club. I had every intention of becoming better friends with Garson, Katie, Locke, and Mike this year. But I had no idea how close we would actually all become. I mean, I didn't even like Josh in the beginning of the year, and now, I'd say he's one of my favorite people. Forensics is a large part of the reason Jen and I have gotten so much closer this year and why I consider Anllo my little sister and why I've kept in touch with Joe in high school.
It's so nice to end my senior year with closer relations within the club, but elsewhere as well. I cannot believe how nice the Duo kids are; over the past couple of months, we have become as friendly as the NJFL has let us. Maybe I'd believe Joe and say Tiffany and Michele, Brandon and Eric are a phony nice if Eric had not invited us over his house. Call me naive, but I honestly believe they are genuinely good people; all of them. I love that I am leaving being on friendly terms with the other Duo teams and kids I competed with in HI. A year ago, I would have never gotten a hug from anyone on another team. But this year, my friend Kelsey from Randolph gave me a huge hug, Camillo Bruno told me he better see me come back to judge next year, Eric Meyers gave me his screen name, Cydni Jiordano and John Florio told Mike and me that Ridge warms up with our Jumanji dance, Elizabeth kids told us our piece was one of the funniest things they've seen all year, Bianca from Elizabeth swapped school stories with Joe, Anllo, and me, I got a hug from B-Rod, I had actual conversations with Cory, shared some laughs with Maddie Patrick, found out people were upset to learn I wasn't doing HI at districts. The list goes on and on. I want to thank Garson, because I think he worked the hardest for it, for making the team more respectable in the eyes of the other teams in the NJFL because they are some of the most talented, wonderful people I have ever met and I would have never talked to them if we were still so disliked.
I guess what I was trying to say in this incredibly LONG entry was this:
High school would have NEVER been the same without all those Saturdays. The only regret I have is that I had done Speech for all 4 years and the only wish I have is that I were coming back next year. But I'm not going to complain; it's been a phenomenal 4 years and as much as I have cursed off the alarm clock at 6 on a Saturday morning or cried because I didn't break or wish I had said this instead of that, I wouldn't trade anything because then it wouldn't have been the same. It was what it was, and now it's all over.
To everyone I've met over the past four years, to everyone who has made my forensics "career" what it was, to all the seniors this year: I owe you a big THANK YOU.
Good luck next year, guys. I know you'll be better than ever, back with a vengeance.
Good-bye Forensics,
It's been crazy, fun, stressful, and truly unbelievable.