I suppose everyone has their own experience.

I was also on my high school debate team, Student Congress to be specific (though Lincoln-Douglas was an option).

I joined because I loved policy and imagining the impact of legislative changes. The fact that most of our debates were on mock legislation that other students had written made it even better, because we argued topics that the real congress would never touch. I learned so much about researching and building arguments, even if my record didn't show it (never placed once in 2 years). I learned that being right was not as important as being aware of the tone of the room and making yourself heard and tailoring your arguments appropriately. I was not naturally gifted for on-the-fly speaking, but I did improve even so. And importantly, I learned things about myself and avoided pursuing a career I might have hated.

I regret nothing even though I have no dusty trophies to show. The friendship and experience I gained from traveling around the state with other politics nerds was, and always will be, the best part.