Florida State University‘s Forensics Program has a long, rich history of success. The Forensics Program at Florida State University is the oldest student activity on campus dating back to 1887. It is a student academic program that is affiliated with the College of Communication & Information. There is an important and consistent link between participation in debate and professional success. Research indicates that forensics participants go on to excel in law, politics and business.
The Florida State University forensics team has consistently qualified students to compete against many of America’s finest undergraduate scholars. Participation in the program provides students with opportunities to develop skills in public speaking, leadership, critical thinking, time management and advanced writing and research. In our story earlier this semester, we highlighted the teams success at September and October events. Students involved travel and compete in events like Communication Analysis, Extemporaneous Speaking, Interpretation, and much more. The competitive atmosphere breeds students who are some of the best and brightest in their fields. Recently, two students in particular have had great success this year.
Elixa Jones, a four-year veteran of debate culture, is a sophomore, double majoring in Political Science and Economics. She boasts an impressive 3.7 GPA, while maintaining a full class and part-time work schedule. She loves to read and play tennis. To add to the list, Elixa soon plans to take up a minor French!
Eliza fills up her day with activities and responsibilities, but it is Forensics that she is most passionate about. “I love that the activity empowers students to speak about things they feel passionate about, says Elixa. “I’ve learned so many things about an array of topics from this activity and it is inspiring to see others speaking about topics they find important.”
Elixa is thankful to her teammates who have supporter her, a group in which she has found some of her best friends. Elixa and her team bond as they travel to multiple states to compete. “I love my team, we are a family,” says Elixa.
“Forensics is a beautiful activity that has shaped who I am today. I have learned so many things about myself from this activity and I’m so thankful that I have had the opportunity to participate in forensics.” In the future Elixa’s ambitions include getting my masters in Applied Economics and going to law school at the University of Michigan.
Joseph Quintana is an English Major with specificity in Editing, Writing, and Media. He joins the Forensics team to develop his skills in those areas. Joseph is extremely focused: “Ideally, my coursework and activities stemming from it will help me become a better writer and better understand how to market myself as a writer,” he says. He has ambitions to pursue a career in writing, ranging from authoring novels to screenplays. “My dream would be to eventually make the transition to full-fledged filmmaker,” says Joseph.
Quintan began competing in forensics in high school and has continued his career in college. “In addition to the fun, competitive atmosphere, there is a level of social consciousness and awareness people in this community have that I have not experienced anywhere else, and I am proud to be a member of such a group,” says Joseph.
After graduation Joseph will decide between two compelling career moves: graduate research while simultaneously coaching a college forensics program, or immediately moving to Los Angeles to jump into the fray of screenwriting.
The Latest Results:
University of Alabama Crimson Classic
October 11, 2014 – Tuscaloosa, AL
Sophomore Manish Khanal 4th Place in Communication Analysis
Zachary Bess – Lima 6thPlace in Duo Interpretation
Tyler Bess – Lima 6thPlace in Duo Interpretation
Ian Skewes Top Novice in Impromptu Speaking
University of Alabama Alumni Tournament
October 12, 2014, Tuscaloosa, AL
Junior Joseph Quintana 4th Place in Extemporaneous Speaking
Junior Joseph Quintana 4th Place in Impromptu Speaking
Sophomore Manish Khanal 5th Place in Communication Analysis
Zachary Bess – Lima 6thPlace in Duo Interpretation
Tyler Bess – Lima 6thPlace in Duo Interpretation
Samford University Debate Tournament
The team of Currie and Pelham – Runner-up Champions
Senior Alex Currie-Top Speaker
Autumn in the Mountains Tournament
Berry College, Rome, GA
Junior Joseph Quintana – Tournament Champion in Extemporaneous Speaking
Junior Joseph Quintana – Tournament Champion in Informative Speaking
Sophomore Eliza Jones – Tournament Champion in Program Oral Interpretation
Sophomore Manish Khanal – Runner-up Champion in Communication Analysis
Sophomore Zachary Bess-Lima – 4th Place in Dramatic Interpretation
Sophomore Manish Khanal – 4th Place in Persuasive Speaking
Sophomore Eliza Jones – 5th Place in Prose Interpretation
Freshmen Jeremy Schleicher – 6th Place in Informative Speaking
Sophomore Manish Khanal – 5th Place in Pentathlon
In April the team is scheduled to participate in qualifications at the American Forensics Association-National Individual Events Tournament held in Portland, OR.