Bella Ealey

I eat sleep and breathe debate, my middle name is debate I am going to legally change my first name to Deb. I came out of the womb with POI’s and rebuttals.

Unfortunately this is not true.

I have never done debate before; I didn’t even know what British Parliamentary debate was until I joined the society, but I think that makes me perfect for the role. I am a first year English student and enjoy the craft of opinion, of understanding and picking apart aspects of arguments.

Despite my lack of knowledge I immediately felt a sense of community. Debate creates this society of open-minded people that should be welcoming and inclusive for all: I have found great enjoyment in it and want every first year to experience the same. Everyone should be given the opportunity to have a say in the society and raise any concerns they may have, no matter their ability or years present.

As a person who has always gone to state schools, the world of BP debate never really existed to me, so the prospect of it is exciting and something I very much want to be a part of in the years to come.

I have been to a novice competition already and wasn’t the most successful but I found it really interesting and I want to get better. I understand what it’s like to be new and don’t want anyone to be put off by the stature and grandiosity of debate. It doesn’t matter that I wasn’t very good because I had fun and learnt more, and as first year representative I want people to feel like this society is the kind of place to grow and enjoy.

As a