Debate Day

24 Days 


When I walk into the room, I see two desks facing each other in the middle of the room, surrounded by all the other desks. I heard all about the AP English debate earlier in the day, and now, seeing these desks facing that way, everything became way more serious. I knew what I had to do. Bring. It. On. I knew that I, Cecily Cardew, was ready to take on whoever sat in front of me. After all the instructions, I received the assignment and prepared all of my notes. Even though I felt confident, when I found out I had to go first, I definitely felt a chill down my spine. Even worse, when I found out who my partner was, the meanest girl in the class, Jackie Shroyer. For some reason, she had it out for me. (I secretly think it's because she wishes to steal my sweet fiance, Algernon, from me). When she approached me in the middle of the room, she did not try to disguise her hatred, and resentfully said, "having to face-off against YOU has ruined my week." I was terrified when I had to present my case first. However, after I went, the class stood up and applauded my efforts, for over ten minutes! At this point, I knew I had "reached 'absolute perfection'" (31). At this point, I was clearly the most amazing person in the world. When the praise subsided, I motioned to my partner, already accepting defeat, and telling her, "you can go on" (31). I held the power over the meanest person in the room, and it felt good. Jackie had her opportunity in the spotlight, but it paled in comparison to the moving, intelligent argument that I made. Sitting across from Jackie, I felt that she finally had overcome her hatred for me, seeing that I could hold my own against her in a discussion. When we both had to leave to go back to our seats, I felt sad, because "it is always painful to part from people whom one has known for a very brief space of time" (31). I felt like this new connection between me and this bully could eventually lead to a great friendship. However, I was snapped back in to reality when the vote took place at the end of class. I had completely forgotten that this was a competition. Even though the friendship I got from the debate was far greater than any bonus points, I still wanted to WIN. I didn't expect anything other than first place. But, when the votes were tallied, and the results were announced, it wasn't my name that I heard coming from Ms. Serensky's  lips. No. Instead of "Cecily Cardew," I heard, "Jackie Shroyer." My heart dropped. How could I not win? What cruel, cruel world. I wish I could hide forever and never enter the AP English classroom again. Not only was this the worst day of AP English 12, but it was also the worst day of my life.