There’s a specific reason why swaths of crowds swarm the beach every summer. Humans are naturally attracted to oceans, shores, and large bodies of water. In fact, it’s embedded in our survival instincts to pursue areas with loud, crashing waves and deep waters. As humans evolved from apes, they moved from forests and settled on nearby beaches and rivers all the while maintaining a marine diet. This diet of fish, clams, and crabs provided a surplus of omega-3 fatty acids which were necessary to promote brain cell growth. Scientists have also discovered a link between the amount of fish consumed in ounces per week and rates of depression. It seems as though our attachment to the ocean is rooted deep within our intrinsic nature to obtain abundance and secure survival. Phenomenons such as these go to show that although the human race has evolved exponentially far from our primate ways, humans will still find a way to enjoy the simple, basic beauties of life.
ocean

When I was in the sixth grade, I joined a debate team. I was hesitant at first because debates were quite intimidating to beginners. The objective was to convince a judge, or the person facilitating the debate to vote for your side. “Your side” was either pro or con, and either agreed with a statement or disagreed with it. For instance, if the topic was “Should schools sell junk food?” The pro side would agree with this statement and the con side would disagree with the statement. A typical debate round in my division, public forum, lasted around half an hour. We would have to convince the judge through a series of speeches, summaries and “crossfires” which were basically a cross-examination of the opponent. A typical debate speech lasts four minutes and usually has three contentions, or three reasons as to why your side is right and why the team you are arguing against is wrong.
After many tournaments, I improved and improved until I was debating in the advanced division, and then until I was debating in a national tournament, taking place in Alabama.
Debate has taught me a lot of things. Not only did I learn about the many controversial topics that I had to debate for, but I also learned how to research, write and persuade a person, all while maintaining my composure and articulating well.