I’m still not totally sure why I said yes…but I’m sure glad I did. I was asked to be a part of a debate in English at the college-prep high school. At first, I thought I was just to go to take some notes or smile or something. Then it was clear that I was to come up with the topics and lead the thing. So, yesterday, I met the girl who asked me (president of her high school – and a clubbie) outside of a coffeebar, and we waltzed into a classroom. I was under the impression that there would be 20 students – there were about 40. It was a little stressful – trying to figure out how it would work time-wise with so many people; not having enough topics to hand out; etc. Plus, I don’t know much at all about debate rules and such – so I felt a little like I was flying by the seat of my pants.
I had a blast. It was so fun to see high school squirts (cream of the crop, really) get a bit fiery about their topics – and respond to one another in a 2nd language. I was impressed! They debated pros and cons of school uniforms, the ban on female teachers wearing headscarves, the influence of American music on Kosovar culture, smoking in coffeebars, a hot-button integration idea (oops, bertie), and others. It was quite a treat to be a part of – and I left totally ready to debate/opinion-ate on anything that breathed (so I went home and watched Over the Hedge – I know, random info, but I’ll plug that movie shamelessly). I also left thinking about the open invitation I have to go back and do it again! Hmm… (I sure hope I remember peoples’ faces!).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment