Ashton School

Tag: Student Briefing

Students attended the 47TH Annual Harvard National Forensics Tournament

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Ashton represented at the 47TH Annual Harvard National Forensics Tournament

This past weekend, starting on Friday 12th, our Debate students took on a big challenge by participating in the 47th Harvard Debate. It took them a lot of preparation, investigation and team collaboration, but it definitely paid off since they did a tremendous job, and represented the Ashton School with honor. They made us all proud of them. 

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The debaters’ teams were:

Team 1: Alexia Pimentel and Maria Jose Brea

Team 2: Ana Isabella Peña and Marco Arosemena

Team 3: Christine Reynoso and Eduardo Sanz

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Below, their responses after we interviewed a member from each team, narrating their experience and the process to the Debate:

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]What was it like preparing for a debate online, was it any different than the other ones?

Christine: It was like preparing for a normal one, we worked hard to get our speeches right in regards to timing and its impact. The only difference was that this time we had to do every meeting through zoom or just talk through chat with our partners, teammates and coaches.

What was the most challenging aspect of it and why?

Christine: The most challenging aspect of the Harvard debate would have to have been the time difference. It definitely took a while for us to adjust to the hours they provided but eventually we got the hang of it. Another thing that made it more of a challenge, in comparison to debates before COVID, was the stress of needing the internet in order for the Judd Fe and opposing teams to hear us. We were constantly asking “Can you hear me clearly?”. It was different from the Thai debate where the internet was vital. Before COVID we couldn’t even have our computers connected to the internet, if we did we could even lose a match.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][us_image image=”33639″ meta=”1″][us_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][us_image image=”33640″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Based on this experience and previous comments would you like to have the full experience in Harvard when the time is possible? Yes or why not?

Alexia: Absolutely, I found that this online debate is a way to prepare for the full experience once deemed possible. I love how we got to represent the school in this prestigious tournament, and the way it was prepared gave me a sense of security and confidence. I have not gone to Harvard before, but from previous comments I have heard that it’s very fun and completely worth it. 

What things did you have to prepare in order to have a successful debate?

Alexia: First and most foremost, the speeches, with both pros and cons, our prepared responses to the arguments also known as blocks, the evidence and credentials of our information and lastly, the total mastery of mastery of the topic. [/vc_column_text][us_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]How did it feel to represent your school in another country and above all at the 47th Annual Harvard Debate Competition? 

Marco: Although the competition was online, representing the school gave me a sense of pride and it pushed me to give it my all during the competition.

How would you describe the Harvard Debate competition with one word and why?

Marco: Exhilarating. There was never a dull moment. There was always the expectancy of getting to the next competition, and the expectancy that comes from waiting for the results from the last one. Each time we heard feedback, we rushed to improve on what more we could say or how we could say it better.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][us_image image=”33638″][us_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

All three teams as mentioned before did an astounding performance, they debated their resolution with a solid evidence base, hard work, dedication and passion. They got amazing feedback, high punctuations and overall had a great experience. I think I can speak  for Ms. Leyti, the coaches, the parents of the students, the Ashton School community and myself, that we are all extremely proud of all the enthusiasm they displayed, and mostly because of the fact that all in all we are still in the midst of a pandemic and that that didn’t stop them.

Keep up the hard work, because it definitely is worth it!
-Maria Jose Caminero 10th A[/vc_column_text][us_image image=”33642″ size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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A student reflection on 2020

An Unexpected series of events 

2020… a pretty tough and difficult year for all us. Murders, elections, protests, natural disasters, explosions and on top of everything a pandemic. Because of all that was mentioned before, we had to get used to new ideas, for many of us our life did had a 360 degree spin. Online school started, it was a challenge but, at the end of the day it was just another rock we got to move all together that was blocking our road, sad times because we couldn’t see our friends and families, the 6 feet apart deal, masks, the death toll, no gatherings, economy failing. My idea today is not to mention what everyone is used to mentioning… the dark side of the story, instead, the brighter one.

2020 has been a teacher, an eye opener for many of us, new opportunities, lifestyles, beliefs. Thanks to this year, I’ve become a more thankful girl. I appreciate everyday things that we took for granted, since we thought they were here for us forever… for example; that rush of excitement of the first day of school, being in a class physically with our friends and teachers, that big smile in our faces when our directors waved us in the morning, getting ready to go out, lunches with my relatives, apart from all those cases, we should mostly be thankful for the TIME we have. Add to that, I thank God for giving me the blessing to have a roof, water, food on the table, education, AC, and a bed. Finally and most importantly, my health, this is all that really matters, and I’m so grateful that my family, friends, loved ones, teachers and myself are all alive and healthy. I can’t even get myself to think how devastated some may feel since so many have lost relatives and people they loved. I take this opportunity to say how sad I am for anyone who already went through this.

During the Christmas holiday I reflected on the importance we give to many material things, I think 2020 proved ourselves that at the end much of it is not necessary. As my teacher, Mr. Edwin (Character ED.) asked us: “if this was your last Christmas what would you give to the 3 most important people in your life?” Please reflect on that, I’m pretty sure you are not going to mention the last PS5, or the new Louis Vuitton Bag, but instead maybe a trip around the world, more gatherings, good health, and behind those wishes, there is a common theme: time. I really mean it, enjoy those little times you have, be thankful, go and tell that person you love that you are extremely glad they are here with you. The gift of time, give time, make time. 

This new year will be brighter as we walk holding God’s hand, things will get better, but, you also need to be part of it… set yourself new goals, and ideas. Stop accusing 2020 of being the worst year of your life and instead say; “yes, 2020 was pretty tough and was filled with an unexpected series of events, but it taught me one of the most important lessons of my life, don’t take those things for granted, be grateful, make the best out of your life, and each day you wake up, thank God for your health and for allowing you to live a new day in this world”. 

My dear Ashton Community, my hope is that we are going to be reunited soon, in the meantime keep reflecting on what we learned from 2020, take care of yourself, and be with your loved ones, as long as you can!!!

2020, an unexpected series of events but with a powerful message!

-Maria Jose Caminero 10thA

 

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