Debate Sources

http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/health/house-believes-womans-right-choose

http://www.choicematters.org/legal-abortion-arguments-pro-con/

http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/

http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/government-and-you/state-governments/state-profiles/washington.html

Impromptu Speech

I did my impromptu speech a while ago.  I did it on Dirty Cars.  It was hard to speak about this topic without sounding repetitive.  I think I did well on my non verbals, with using my hands and eye contact.  I think I went too informal, almost like everyday conversation.  I could do better on elaborating on my points.  Overall I think I did just okay.

Commemorative Speech Manuscript

Imagine moving to a new town and opening up a brand new business while raising five kids under the age of 10.  Starting in the grocery business, my grandfather was nowhere near the success he has today.  At the age of 84, he still goes into work everyday both in the office and on the floor. Being his granddaughter, I see everything that he has put into his business and family, and to both he gives everything he can.  Today I would like to take a moment to praise my grandfather Norm by showing you some of his qualities that truly make him one of my role models.

Brave – Starting any business at a young age means being in debt until it actually starts to grow.  My grandfather, like I mentioned earlier, bought a run down grocery store on Vashon Island in 1965 that practically nobody shopped at.  It was his dream to have his own business, and so he made his dream a reality at the mere age of 30.  He was brave to buy such a business with the risk that it might fail.  On top of it, he did it while raising a family with my grandmother and 5 children.  To this day, he is continually making major changes to the business – remodels, upgrades and competitive pricing, all of which he could take the safe route, but is willing to take the risk it if means potential greatness for the business.

Devoted – Without this quality, my grandfather could not have made his grocery store the success it is today.  He is still daily going in to Vashon Thriftway with his white collared shirt, red plaid tie and red, sometimes teal cardigan that he is known for. Even with 3 knee replacements, grandpa Norm is still stocking shelves and helping customers, even when he is on his way to go home.  There is no job at what my family calls ‘the store’ that is too menial for him. 

On top of all he does for the business, he still takes time for all of his family.  He and my grandma made it to most of my high school volleyball games, and the same with all my siblings sporting events that were on Vashon.  With 7 grandkids, there are too many hours to count of his time he gave to us!  And if 60 years married to a women who, ironically enough, he met at a grocery store, isn’t devotion, then I don’t know what is! In the summer, he will daily bring roses in for my grandma.  He still washes her car every week, even though she will go weeks without driving it.

Giving – Whether it’s the Graduating Class of 2012 or Vashon Island Pet Protectors, my grandpa never hesitates to give out of his pocket.  If an employee is ever struggling, he is the first one to help them out in whatever way possible.  That is one of the biggest things I admire about him, the way he gives to his employees.  Being an employee at the store, I see how much he gives to each employee, and not even talking monetarily.  He always gives anyone his time that needs it.  He even has Seattle Mariners Season tickets that he gives to different employees, barely ever using the tickets himself.  My grandpa is the type of person who even though strives to keep his business growing; he still looks to support other small businesses on Vashon too.  When the Liquor law was passed that grocery stores could start selling liquor, it was his decision to opt out of selling it because he didn’t want to intrude on the locally owned Liquor store. My grandpa has given his time and dedication to our country too.  He served in the Coast Guard for many years, and for as long as I been around, only buys American cars.  He gives so much to my family and relatives; it’s hard to put in words the extent of which he has helped us throughout the years.  Personally, I would not be here at Northwest without my grandparents.  Because of his hard work, he is able to give so much, and not because he has to, but because it is the desire of heart to give.  He is so giving that he still feeds the birds every single morning!

My grandpa Norm is the utmost example of these qualities. Brave in being a young entrepreneur, devoted to his family and his business, and giving to anyone who needs it.  My grandpa is so much more than these three attributes but I don’t have all day.  He is truly a man who I look up to and can say, I want to be like him when I get older.  My grandfather is the reason why I myself want to go in to the business field, and maybe pursue a career in the grocery business!  Whatever I end up doing, I know he will be proud of me.  But this is my turn to tell you, grandpa, how proud I am of you.