Pro Con

This weeks episode centers around being a person of color, a member of the LGBTQ community and the manifestations of racism within health care. Gabriel is a strong man and a survivor, and hear from him about his story in this podcast, or read a little about him below:"I was born in Augsburg, Germany 06/16/1984 on a military base while my parents were in the United States Army. I am a 36 year old bi-racial gay man. I live in Aurora, CO with my mother, father, and younger brother who is developmentally/intellectually disabled. I knew I was gay once I went through puberty at 12 years of age during 6th grade. I came out to my parents when I was 14 in the summer after I completed middle school. My mother was accepting but my father was not. He was ashamed of me, was emotionally abusive, and did not take time to get to know me. Although, he was a poor parent before my coming out. He worked to provide for us as a family but beyond that he did nothing. He also was not a good parent with my brother. I graduated from high school early 05/26/2001. It was not until my college years that my father shaped up after my mother threatened him with divorce. I had a hard time being gay as I came out when I was young. I was bullied and harassed throughout middle school and high school. Luckily, I was never physically assaulted but bullies did make attempts to start fights with me. I was also lucky that my mother provided me with resources so I could make friends, be around other LGBTI people, and develop a stronger self-esteem. Colorado in my teenage years was a conservative state completely different from how it is now. The liberal enclaves of Colorado are Denver and Boulder. Aurora and other suburb cities around Denver are more libertarian than conservative. Rural cities and counties including the large city of Colorado Springs are very conservative. Currently, Colorado provides the LGBTI community full civil rights protections in all areas. It was not one the first states to do so but at least it came on board before many other midwestern and southern states did. I am glad to report that I have never experienced discrimination in obtaining education, employment, healthcare, and/or other services as a gay man. Although, I have experienced prejudice remarks and comments from time to time from mean spirited individuals. Once I was in college, my self-esteem and ability to stand up for myself were much stronger and I can now easily deal with prejudice individuals. As you know, I have just recently completed my RN-BSN program from the Denver College of Nursing in downtown Denver 06/19/2020. This is my second bachelors degree. My first one was in International Business from Johnson & Wales University in Denver, CO 05/21/2005. I am scheduled to take my NCLEX-RN exam 08/24/2020 so I can obtain my Colorado RN license. I plan on becoming a mental health nurse as there are not enough nurses entering this specialty. In addition, I believe that it is important as a racial and sexual minority to show patients in my care that they can succeed in life regardless of the obstacles that are placed in their paths. I am excited to see what the future has in store for me."His story is inspiring to say the least and we hope you can learn something from this strong and courageous man.

The media portrays hispanic and latin communities as low income and poor. However, what they fail to show is the middle class and upper middle class latin Americans who are fighting for the rights of their brothers and sisters and who are fighting for equality. In this episode Solena Ornelas interviews hispanic high school senior Sierra Segura. Sierra is a 17 year old senior at Widefield high school and plays multiple competitive sports. She has lived a comfortable life, which to many seems to be impossible given what is often showcased in the news about Hispanic communities. Sierra talks to us about how she is trying to use her status and money to inspire positive change and also gives a unique take on racism and discrimination in sports. Music: Dr. David FensterWebsite: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/home?authuser=4

Mina Turabi is a pre med student at Georgia State University and the state director for March For Our lives GA. As state director it is her job to lead GAs activists in our fight for a more peaceful State. Under her leadership, the state has introduced a comprehensive peace plan modeled after the national Peace Plan for A Safer America, pledged over 15000 voters and drove over 5000 calls to supporters in 35 minutes. Her job more than anything is to be able to provide for the activists and organizers in our movement; a listening ear and an encouraging support for any and everything they hope to achieve.Mina speaks to us in this episode about the BLM movement and her initiatives to promote equity amongst all races. She also provides us with an interesting perspective on the intersection between medicine and social justice.We would also like to welcome our new lead interviewers Olivia Schramakowski onto the show.Website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/season-3-community-and-equity/episode-13?authuser=7

In this episode, the ProCon team interviews Denia Smith - a local activist in the West Windsor area of New Jersey. Denia is dedicated towards fighting racial injustice within her school and has founded the People of Color (POC) Advocacy Group to promote changes in policy, education, and programming throughout the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district from grades K-12. The POC Advocacy Group is composed of student representatives from West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North and South, and WWPHS Alumni. The organization has partnered with the African American Parent Support Group (AAPSG) and works closely with the WWP Board of Education and West Windsor-Plainsboro’s equity channel. Denia is now planning an upcoming march in honor of the Black Lives Matter movement in West Windsor-Plainsboro. In the future, Denia plans to host community programs to promote conversations on racial literacy in WWP. She hopes to extend her reach to advocate against racism and unite communities beyond her own.In this podcast Denia speaks about the racial injustice she has encountered and the way in which she is trying to make a change. Visit this source that Denia has made to become more aware of our present situation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ADYoOF87arLE33pefq6nxzqAxC30IgNpPxOVAa7H_7Y/edit#slide=id.p. More donation links in our emergency announcement page. Visit our website at: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/episode-14?authuser=9.

In this episode, SIddharth speaks to Rebecca Joseph, the founder of Women in Politics. WIP is an online blog, magazine, and Youtube channel to give girls a platform to learn about accomplished women in politics, express their ideas to better the nation, and connect with other girls with the same passion. Starting April of 2020 their team of 66 girls across the world have reached places from Lebanon and Kansas to India and Canada. Their organizations wants to provide a safe haven for girls to understand that their ideas are not only valid, but needed.Music by Dr. David FensterWebsite: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/?authuser=7

Director: Dr. Ephraim BuhksEditor: Melissa HagerDirector of Music and Intro/Outro Music Contributor: Dr. David FensterIn this episode, Siddharth interviews the founders of the Mercer Mask project initiative - LeeAnn and Johan Glozman. This wonderful couple of the West Windsor community saw the need for masks in their local area and decided to step up and help out in the production of this vital good. Nurse LeeAnn Glozman knew that she could do better when she saw the CDC mandate to use bandana's. As a medical professional she knew that there were efficient and protective alternatives that she could use. After contacting friends in her area, LeeAnn along with her husband worked together to create the Mercer Mask project. In the span of a few months they have made over 8,000 masks and have order request from California as well. Listen to this podcast to learn more!LeeAnn and Johan are also allowing high school students to become a part of the initiative as volunteers or interns. They also are diversifying their product line to include surgical masks and isolation gowns. To get involved please visit mercermaskproject.com or email mercermaskproject@gmail.com.

In this episode of WWP Fireside Chats we have on Dr. Fenster, a musician and Endodontist in the West Windsor community. Dr. Fenster talks about the Jewish Passover festival and the values of justice and freedom that it symbolizes. In times like this, it is easy to hate but hard to love. Take a few minutes to listen to what this festival is about and hear some of pieces that he has played in honor of this event. You may be surprised to find that there are many similarities between the festivals you celebrate and Jewish passover.Regardless of what or who you believe in, I am sure we can all agree that social justice and equality are very pressing issues of today and will continue to be important in the future. These same values form the basis for this wonderful Jewish festival and for this podcast episode.

In response to COVID - 19 and its spread throughout the US, ProCon has temporarily renamed itself to WWP fireside chats. he fireside chats was something president Franklin Delano Roosevelt did during the years following the great depression. March 12, 1933 was the first broadcast for him and April 12, 2020 is going to be the first one for us. The intent of this is promote reflection and give people the perspective of a high school student during this time of crisis.

ProCon, officially enters the double digits! Commemorating our tenth episode, we have a debate on, "This house regrets foreign military sales and direct commercial sale of Arms to Saudi Arabia." This is debated on by Siddharth Satish and Manya Chopra. The resolution for next week was not announced, since there is something new and exciting in store for the next episode!Music: bensoundmusic.com.Website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/home?authuser=2

In this episode we discuss the reasons why we chose the resolution, "this house regrets direct commercial sales and foreign military sale of arms to Saudi Arabia." The ProCon team is now making sure to explain and give background on a resolution before the debate on it. This was a wonderful and very current events filled episode to film and one that will help in understanding the geopolitical tensions in the middle east.Music: bensoundmusic.com. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/episode-9?authuser=2

In this episode we have Manya Chopra, a sophomore from West Windsor Plainsboro High School North come onto the show and debate the resolution, this house regrets the narrative of American exceptionalism. This ends our four part How To series. Next weeks resolution is, this house regrets the FMS and DCS of arms to Saudi Arabia.Music: bensoundmusic.com. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/episode-8?authuser=2.

This episode is the third of of our four part series on, "This house regrets the narrative of American exceptionalism." In these 17 minutes we discuss effective ways one can present their arguments and deliver their speech. Music by bensoundmusic.com. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate

Music by bensoundmusic.com. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/home?authuser=2.

This podcast is the first one of the new decade! We dissect the resolution, This House regrets the narrative of American exceptionalism and make it our focus to see how we can learn more about American exceptionalism. This is the first episode of the four part, Debate How To series. Music by bensoundmusic.com. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/home?authuser=2.

This podcast is one that explores how speech and debate coaches spend their time training their team. This is by far the most interesting episodes aired on pro con since it serves two purposes - informing and empowering. Website:https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/episode-4?authuser=1. Music: bensound.com.

This podcast is one that explores the impact that speech and debate has on freshman. Two freshman were invited to the show and they spoke about their love for model congress and other speech and debate competitions. Music: bensound.com. Learn more about the podcast on the official website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate

This episode serves as the formal apology for not having uploaded an episode last week and explains the reasons for the latter. Music: bensound.com. Learn more about the podcast on the official website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate

This podcast showcases a debate on the naturalized citizenship requirement for presidency. Music by bensound.comWebsite: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/home

This video introduces the Pro Con speech and debate podcast. Learn more about the podcast on the official website: https://sites.google.com/view/proconspeechanddebate/home Music: www.bensound.com

Director: Dr. Ephraim BuhksEditor: Melissa HagerDirector of Music and Intro/Outro Music Contributor: Dr. David FensterIn this episode, Siddharth interviews the founders of the Mercer Mask project initiative - LeeAnn and Johan Glozman. This wonderful couple of the West Windsor community saw the need for masks in their local area and decided to step up and help out in the production of this vital good. Nurse LeeAnn Glozman, knew that there were efficient and protective alternatives that she could use instead of the bandana. After contacting friends in her area, LeeAnn along with her husband worked together to create the Mercer Mask project. In the span of a few months they have made over 8,000 masks and have order request from California as well. Listen to this podcast to learn more!LeeAnn and Johan are also allowing high school students to become a part of the initiative as volunteers or interns. They also are diversifying their product line to include surgical masks and isolation gowns.To get involved please visit mercermaskproject.com or email mercermaskproject@gmail.com.