Junior Dara Quastad of Inman, Kansas, finished second in persuasive speaking at the Kansas Wesleyan University Border Wars tournament on February 4. Assistant Professor of Communications Ken Troyer called the finish “remarkable” since Quastad had only participated in three tournaments in her college career. Quastad began practicing for forensics in the fall, having learned of the competition through her public speaking class at Sterling College. Quastad did not participate in forensics or debate in high school.

“One of the best parts of delivering speeches is seeing improvement in my nerves. I will still get nervous, but I like being able to face one of my fears –  public speaking –  the rush of adrenaline I get when I sit down after it's over and think to myself, ‘you did awesome!’ while having to remain composed on the outside,” said Quastad.

Quastad is looking forward to the rest of the season and hopes to continue participating in forensics her senior year.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.