Adolfo’s involvement with debate first began his junior year at Denver West High School. While he was active in sports like track, soccer, and cross-country, he soon came to realize that there was something still lacking. These other activities exhausted him physically but never challenged him intellectually. Adolfo feels that debate provided that missing piece, and feels his high school experience was complete because of it.
Adolfo claims to have made unforgettable memories in debate, and he looked forward to those tournaments every month. Spending time with other kids who shared not only his intellectual curiosity, but also his background, provided a save haven where he could thrive. Adolfo describes weekend tournaments as intellectually exhilarating, but also socially stimulating.. He says debate forced him to become more diligent and self-determined.
“Thanks to debate I learned and developed character traits and skills that no book or class could ever teach me I know that without the skills I learned in debate I would not have been as competitive for the Gates Millennium Scholarship. Even though the DUDL won't pay for my degrees, because of it I will be able to pursue almost any degree I desire, without the fear of having to incur massive student loan debt”.
Currently he is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison double majoring in Biology and Spanish. Adolfo gives thanks to DUDL for teaching him what it means to be acritical and analytical thinker. He feels this skill set will give him an upper hand when applying to medical school in the soon-arriving future.
Adolfo maintains that he is very grateful for DUDL because it has empowered him personally. DUDL taught him to advocate for himself, both in and outside debate tournaments.
“I know it has done the same for many others, and I know it will continue to do the same for those who are fortunate enough to have DUDL impact their life the way it impacted mine”.
