By: Isra Moussaoui (YES 2019-2020, Tunisia, hosted by AFS-USA in Bainbridge Island, WA) 

During my time in the U.S., I developed a relentless drive for debating and public speaking. Hence, in 2020, I joined JCI Bekalta, a non-governmental organization for young, active citizens eager to make an impact. The organization hosts an annual debate and public speaking competition, and in the three years we have participated, my team and I have won two regional titles and one national title.   

During a debate, my role is to listen carefully to the opposing team’s arguments and improvise rebuttals to them. This position has taught me to be flexible, empathetic, and self-aware. I have also improved my control over my emotions, my ability to approach situations calmly and to think on my feet. After our first win, I was selected to mentor the group that debated in October 2022. We built a team that constantly improved through constructive feedback, shared empathy, and knowledge. The team went on to win the nationals against Tunisian Model United Nations’s Sousse division and exceeded all expectations. 

I was fortunate enough to not only learn from the best debaters in Tunisia, but I was also able to share that knowledge with my peers and help them utilize it in real life. 

What got me hooked on the idea of the debate was a culture, power, and society class that I took while on exchange in the U.S. Throughout the semester, we read books by different authors who have different opinions about certain topics, and then we would hold debates in class where each group presents their case.  

We would stay up all night reading the chapters repeatedly, hoping to find a new perspective that we could use against our opponents. Eventually, we realized that if we listened hard enough, we could always find something to rebut. Thanks to that class, I learned that to be a good debater, I had to be a great listener. I believe that that skill has helped me get to where I am today. 

In January 2023, I was voted by the JCI bureau to become their debate consultant and help guide our teams in debate. 

I look forward to this new opportunity because I enjoy guiding my peers through this journey and being someone they can go to for support and advice. I know exactly what they are going through since I was once in their place. I’m proud to say that I faced and overcame a lot of challenges not only while competing but also in life in general. I love to share my experience and help the upcoming generation of JCI debaters reach their peak.