By 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar and Elks Scholar Advisory Board member Nate Baker
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Order in the Cornell court! |
Over the past month, I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit reading affidavits, revising direct examinations, and listening to opening/closing statements. I’ve been in a suit so much that you’d think I was a walking Brooks Brothers advertisement. I’ve skipped dinner, told friends “another time,” stayed up way past my bedtime, and forwent Halloween (my favorite holiday) so that I could talk about fake people's fake problems in their fake world. But to my teammates, mockers across America, and me, it’s all very real. We signed up for the sweaty palms and way-too-long weekends voluntarily. And, surprisingly, we have a blast doing it.
This fall, our team went to two invitational tournaments at Columbia University and Brandeis University.
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Nate wakes up bright and early to prepare for a day in court. |
The turn-around to our next tournament was quick; just one week. So we buckled down and sold our souls
to the law school. And completely changed everything that I had memorized about my character, as is customary in mock trial.
We roadtripped it up to Boston for Brandeis with experience on our side. We must have learned something, for we exited the bracket with a 7-1 record! At the awards ceremony, we were saddened to find out that we tied for first place, but received second due to a technicality in scoring. Nevertheless, we returned home with the radio blaring and our pride well-intact.
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Nate and his mock trial team show off their well-deserved trophy! |
Mock trial has been a part of me since high school. I was on the fence about whether or not to even try out for the team once I got to college. In retrospect, I’m glad I went for it and devoted so much time to this organization. I've had some of my best experiences and made some of my best friends through mock trial so far in my short undergraduate career.
Here’s my monthly (cheesy) advice to you, dear reader: The next time that someone tries to badger you into coming to watch them argue a fake case, don’t object. The evidence goes to show that you might “witness” something surprisingly interesting.
Thanks!
Nate Baker
Freshman Elks Scholar Advisory Board Representative
2013 Most Valuable Student Scholar
Cornell University
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