“Debate Means Opportunity”: How Debate En Español Shaped Jose’s Pathway
How debating in Spanish opened doors for Jose
Jose, an Augsburg University student and Minnesota Urban Debate League alum, defines debate with one word: opportunity.
“For me the word debate means ‘opportunity’ because that’s just what it is… it’s probably the biggest opportunity that has been given to me so far and has allowed me to excel,” he says. “But in general, it’s an opportunity for a lot of students everywhere.” Read on to learn why this national finalist defines debate as much more than an after-school activity.
A Transformative Senior Year
Jose participated in the MNUDL’s Debate En Español program for six years, learning how to advocate for the pro- and con- sides of issues ranging from veganism to US-Cuba relations and boosting skills like argumentation, public speaking, and critical thinking in the process.
He capped off his senior year with a historic achievement: he and his partner were finalists at the first-ever Spanish debate nationals tournament at the Urban Debate National Championship. They took pride in representing Minnesota and the Minnesota Urban Debate League program on a national stage.
“I think that really allowed me to excel in my senior year. It’s still something that brings me a lot of opportunities,” he says.
Leveraging the connections and achievements he forged in debate, Jose earned the Promise Scholarship, full tuition to Augsburg University for four years.
“That’s why I think debate is amazing. It’s the biggest opportunity and it’s such an amazing opportunity that doesn’t just build and offer external pathways and different opportunities. It also allows you to develop skills that also help you along the way…
Debate really allowed me to become the person I am today.”
Building Connections in College
Today, as Jose navigates college life at Augsburg University, the skills he developed through debate continue to serve him daily.
“The biggest thing is debate really helped me grow my communication and cooperation skills, especially when meeting new people and really building a reputation,” he explains.
“It was something crucial, especially at a time in my life where networking and meeting other people and building connections is so important.”
What Debate Means
Jose sees urban debate’s purpose as opening doors to all students, creating opportunity without exception.
“It really helps kids from smaller minority communities who come from different backgrounds and different economic situations to really succeed and excel – regardless of what’s going on in their lives, regardless of where they are in their community or where they are as individuals.”
Coming from a Spanish-speaking family, the Debate En Español program provided Jose a meaningful opportunity to represent his community, his program, his school, and his state at the national level.
“That is huge and amazing,” says Jose.
A Message to Our Donors
Jose’s gratitude is profound:
“To donors, I would say the biggest thank you… Not just for me, not just for my community, but for all the students.
“My example is just one of many lives that you’ve been able to change. There are a lot of students out here who, like me, are unable to afford college, or face language barriers or limitations, and debate is that opportunity that allows them to succeed regardless. Debate really allows students to stand out in areas where they might not have been able to stand out before and really represent their community…
It’s really changed my life. So thank you so much.”
