I have been debating two saturdays in a row. Gee, that's something to be proud with. First of all - my team - we got the first place in Rīga and Zemgale regional tournament about the topic "The Young People of Latvia Are Patriots of Their Country". That was a very nice occasion.
However, we fell out from yesterday's competition semi-finals. Although the main idea of our team was that the opponents' team was strong (and they really were good and respectable debaters), so that this loss was not really surprising, I believe, that deeply inside we all thought that victory is ours, regardless the opponents. Therefore I opine that these debates taught us a lesson about over-estimating our skills and under-estimating the opponents, despite that my teammates may think differently and may not agree with me.

Anyhow, I consider debating as a kind of sport, that really can be addictive. For example, I convinced my brother to try debating, and now he's anxious, waiting for the next tournament. I feel like him, because the debate is the way to feel the real power of one's brain, speech and self-confidence. I admit, that I adore to be standing in front of the judge, speaking clearly, convincigly and self-confidently. As this feeling, that is hard to be expressed in words, becomes even greater if there are many judges and also the audience that listens to the debate. I do not know why it is so, but, in fact, due to debates I have understood that I want to be a professional politician or diplomat, or concern my life with these matters. Then I would be able to enjoy what I do.

I agree with the idea that skills gained in debating will be useful in any part of my life. Therefore I am willing to devote a whole day to this sport even if I must tell the teacher on the next monday that I have not managed to write an outline for my cause-and-effect essay.