JSA is Pitman’s debate club, run by our own students with goals to learn communication skills and engage each other in powerful conversations through all different topics of debate. Debates are held here at pitman, as well as San Francisco and Oakland. JSA focuses on public speaking and communication to set students up for their careers and have confidence in their future. This club gives students the opportunity to voice their opinions in a way that is productive and professional with the help of their advisor, Mr. Farhadian. 

I interviewed some of the club officers to learn more about the club and the field trip. I asked Isabella Ford and Blake Creamer some questions about their club as a whole to gain a better understanding of their club values. Here’s what they shared.

What is your club’s mission?

“Our club’s main goal is to prepare and teach students valuable life skills such as debate and public speaking.” – Isabella Ford

“Our club mission is to promote civic engagement from students through debates and to, as the motto suggests, “Be the People.” – Blake Creamer

Why did you become an officer?

“I became an officer to become more involved in my club and help others who are new to the club to get more comfortable and confident.” – Isabella Ford

“I became an officer because I believe heavily in the club mission and because of the great support from our club advisor Mr. Fahardian.” – Blake Creamer

I asked them more about the recent debate convention to gather more information and share their opinions.

What were some of the topics at the convention?

Topics range from light hearted debates to serious ones such as “’thoughts on banning the guns’” and “’favorite superstitions’”. – Isabella Ford

What were some of the most important points you took away from the debate?

“Some of the key takeaways are just what you learn from other members. Seeing others speak, good or bad, is a way for you to reflect on your own speaking and opinions and allows you to self-reflect and grow.” – Isabella Ford

“The biggest takeaways would be the opinions of my peers as they brought insights into new issues like abortion, the beliefs of political parties, and fun debates such as iPhone vs. Samsung.” – Blake Creamer 

Where was the convention held and who attended?

“Some JSA conventions are held at pitman and others branch out to the bay area on a large scale hosted in oakland/san francisco. Many schools from all around come to debate and most of the time, a venue large enough such as an airport hotel or full halls are booked for these debates.” – Isabella Ford

These students are well spoken and have been able to gain confidence through public speaking, especially going to conventions and sharing opinions with people beyond our own school. Sharing ideas with more than one group of people widens the perspective so that students give insight and respect to other opinions besides their own. They are given the opportunity to be passionate about any topic that is important to them and be able to express their own truth.These students will be better prepared to communicate professionally in the future and give opinionated young people the chance to be themselves with like minded people.