About Bani Kaur Rawal (Me!)
I'm from Queens, New York, and about to start my freshman year of high school in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I recently graduated from Anderson Middle School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, where I spent nine incredible years from kindergarten through eighth grade. I’ve been passionate about debate since sixth grade, and thanks to the guidance of my amazing coaches, I’ve grown tremendously as a speaker and thinker. Debate has also helped me build lasting friendships with students from other schools I've competed against. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with friends, embroidering, solving math problems and sudokus, playing badminton, and listening to music.
My Debate Career
In 6th grade, I competed in my very first debate tournament at Columbia University, hosted by the Youth for Debate League. I still remember how exciting and nerve-wracking the experience was. I walked in with a speech that, looking back, I’d probably cringe at now—but I had a few solid arguments, a loud voice, and a knack for asking tough questions during crossfire. To my surprise, by the end of the award ceremony, I was named "Outstanding Speaker" for my school.
My second tournament was with the Urban Debate League, where I debated the pros and cons of a federal ban on TikTok—and won first place! That tournament helped me realize that all it took was courage, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from others. Every round taught me something new, and that mindset of growth has stuck with me.
Throughout middle school, I participated and earned multiple speaking and team awards at tournaments hosted by the Urban Debate League, the American Debate League, and Youth for Debate at Columbia University. I’ve won first place in public forum debate at two tournaments (YFD at Columbia University and UDL), second place at four others, and even won first place in parliamentary debate at the 2025 UDL Championships.
Debate has shaped me far beyond tournaments. It gave me the confidence to serve in student government twice, where I learned how to lead and advocate for my peers. It also helped me tremendously with the high school admissions process (allowing me to get into my top choice high school in the Upper East Side of Manhattan)—especially in writing essays and preparing for interviews. And truthfully, those interview skills are something we all need throughout life.
That’s why I started this free debate program. I’m passionate about teaching and truly believe debate is for everyone. Every student deserves access to tools that build their voice, confidence, and critical thinking. I hope to share what I’ve learned and help others discover the power of debate.