COMMUNITY or a competition floor for me; it was a training ground that prepared me for varied arenas. From mock trial to Model UN, the skills I honed in debate—critical thinking, articulate speaking, balanced argumentation, and even the proper way to shake someone’s hand—played a pivotal role. Initially, my focus in speech and debate was singular: to win. However, this approach soon revealed a path to disappointment and a quick way to lose friends. Once I worried less about the trophies and medals and focused more intimately on having fun and pursuing truth and excellence, I didn’t just become a better debater; my love for debate as a proper sport deepened greatly.
I N H I S WO R D S M AT E O P O RT E L L I
Mateo is a 2020 graduate of Bishop Gorman High School in Nevada, who now helps coach at his alma mater. We invited him to share more about his speech and debate journey.
I
was born outside of the United States shortly after 9/11. I grew up in the Great Recession, became an adult in a global pandemic, and now I’m navigating adulthood in a volatile world. I didn’t get to choose where I was born or by whom I’d be raised.
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Nevertheless, through speech and debate, I did discover the one thing I could always take ownership of: my voice. Speech and debate wasn’t just a classroom
My involvement in speech and debate has opened doors I never imagined possible. At the age of
22, I am one of the youngest members in the history of the Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection, thanks to Governor Lombardo’s appointment. This position, coupled with my role as a U.S. Army soldier, underscores the profound influence of speech and debate in my life. As the first in my family to soon graduate from university, I aim to continue this trajectory, aspiring to be the first to earn a J.D. and later a Ph.D.
Now, as a coach at my alma mater, my goal is to guide students to fall in love with excellence, not just accolades. I want them to focus on being their best selves, valuing sincerity, and enjoying the journey. Speech and debate is more than a competition; it’s a platform for finding community, personal growth, and lifelong learning. My speech and debate journey has been a transformative experience, shaping my worldview, forging my character, and guiding my career path. As I continue to navigate the complexities of adulthood, the lessons learned and friendships formed through the NSDA remain a guiding light, one I am always happy to brag about to anyone who asks me, “Wait, what is speech and debate about?”
Having a former competitor come back to help their team is always a welcome sight, but normally they do so as a student teacher or a faculty member. Mateo has returned to his alma mater to support the team while still in undergrad at UNLV and an active member of the Nevada Army National Guard.” — Julie Roos, Golden Desert (NV) district chair