School Tears — The Price of a Ticket

Birthplace should not determine opportunity. I did not choose where I was born. I did not choose my accent. I did not choose the language I first learned.

But I chose where to work. I chose where to study. I chose where to belong. The only reason the affirmative is standing on this stage

is because her mother married an American. Without that accident of marriage, she wouldn't even be in this country, let alone this auditorium.

thank you you've actually proven my argument because you didn't mention my grades you didn't mention my debate record you didn't mention that I might stand on the national finals next month which you may not have the opportunity to enter

iris's team the winner of debate championship Excuse me? Who got the win? Lincoln High.

Yes! Iris, you were amazing! A national debate title looks incredible on college applications. Let's do our best in the finals.

So what? The national finals are in New York City. Tell me, Iris, do you even have the money for a plane ticket? Can you afford the hotel?

New York is too far, and it's freezing over there. I probably won't even go. Iris, don't you want to go to law school? You have to go! See? Your little construction couple don't make enough in the dirt to buy a ticket to the big

Construction couple! Definitely can't afford it.