"Its really fun when the team does well, but for me, its not about success.If I come out of the round feeling more educated - and at the end of the day I feel like a stronger speaker - then that is what makes me happy; winning is a bonus."

 - Jamie DuPont

"I will take so much from the team.  I will never succomb to peer pressure, or let anyone tell me what to do ever again. How you say something has more impact than what is said.  Friends are rare and valuable gems that are difficult to find and incredible to have.  In the end, I will win."

 - Katie Marshbanks

"My favorite team-bonding memory was the fall retreat my Freshman year. It was great for team integration and getting to know everyone."

 - Kourtney McCauliff"

I loved the retreats.  Not only the organized activities that helped bond the team, but the simple time spent just talking and playing cards solidified friendships."

 - Beth Ribarsky

"My novice year I put a poetry program together with Katie Hatfield and took it to Bradley thirteen days later. Katie practiced with me all week to get it together.  I took all 1s in preliminary rounds an 3rd in the novice final round. That experience solidified 3rd in the novice final round.  That experience solidified my membership on this team. It was amazing to have so many teammates watching my final round."

 - Kristy Loughin

"My favorite competition-related memory is from Creighton this year.  I was playing Dance Dance Revolution, and Beth (Ribarsky) yanked my arm and dragged me running over to the postings to show me that I broke my crit and then she threw her arms around me while I stood there staring in shock.  Then once I got out of my final crit round, she says to me, "You need to go to your next round." Then she hugged me again and said, "Congratulations.  You're going to Nationals."  I would have cried if I didn't need to look good for my poetry round.  As I stood in line at the awards ceremony, it felt so good to know that I finally achieved the one thing I have been reaching for my entire forensics career, high school included.  When we got in the van, and shut the door, I screamed "YEAAAAHHH!" as loud as I could from the core of my stomach.  It felt great."

 - Katie Marshbanks

"Forensics has made me a better student than one would think possible. My participation on this team forced me to organize, manage time, and in my work. I will never forget the bonds I have formed."

 - Beth Ribarsky

"M.I.S.L. (Michigan Interscholastic Speech League) States 2002 was an excellent experience.  Watching everyone perform allowed me to be very proud of everyone on the team.  Also, my teammates were very supportive of my events.  Just sitting on the benches at Easter (Michigan University) listening to stories and giving and receiving pep talks helped everyone get to know one another and really appreciate the skills each team member brought to the realm."

 - Kristy Loughin

Communication and Dramatic Arts

College of Communication and Fine Arts

Central Michigan University

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