When we gathered as a group, all of us thought that zoos were the worst and the pro side was the easiest to research. Almost all the articles in our folders were supporting zoos, and they had good evidence as well. Besides, all the good reasons were on the Pro-zoos side. So, when me and Alexa were partnered up to be Pro, the only thing we were grateful for was the fact that it would be easier to find counters for Rylan and Jack’s reasons.
The first thing we did when we were paired up was collect more reasons and evidence from our unread articles. We made two pages in our notebooks for counters and reasons. Then, we began to find evidence. We soon realized that the articles couldn’t help us anymore, however, so we ended up just searching on the web for what we hoped to be statistics and graphs. We stumbled upon a gold mine when we found a website called In Defense of Animals, which not only had great reasons but also provided us with solid evidence. I found a type of mental illness called zoochosis which soon became my second reason. Alexa settled for health problems.
Alexa and I wrote our reasons with the sole purpose of outsmarting the other side. When ever they wrote something, we tried to find something to prove them wrong, but that would just end up with us groaning in frustration as we searched up the same phrase(with slight tweaks) again for possibly the 100th time. Yes, I think you can understand why I was so dissatified with my side.
Although I was glad with the fact I was on the “good” side, I had noticed a change in my group’s demeanor. We had originally been awkward and regularly talking about “Why can’t we have plastic bags? Or water? Maybe even cellphones!”, but now we became friendlier, seeking humor in every sentence spoken. However, as the deadline neared, the air became thick with competition. It was obvious – we were stressed out. Stressed that we’d be pulled aside for the rap that didn’t work, stressed that we’d get shunned about our reasons, et cetera. Also, if I’d asked my group what their opinion was a few weeks ago, at the start of this all, they’d have immediately replied, “Con zoos, of course!” Now, I was on an island of my own, with my teammates growling “Pro zoos” like hungry sharks beneath the waves. Sure, I was pulled by Rylan and Jack’s argument, and had thought of stepping in and becoming a shark myself, but the research I’d done had made me think twice.
Practicing was getting easier – we had grown familiar with the script, and now Rylan had mesmorized his introduction. Sometimes we’d boo at the other pair, all in good humor, of course. Though, a few times the teasing did go too far, ending in “Shut up!” or “You are so annoying!” Anyway, when the time for the “dreaded” recording came, we were ready. Nervous, with my heart pounding, but still prepared. Still able to talk. It honestly passed by rather quickly – I can barely even remember anything other than standing up and sitting down. All I heard was my own fear, keeping me from speaking too loud. But I still managed and I ended up finishing this unit successfully. And what else can I say, other than that my thoughts were exactly like all the other units? Fun while it lasted, but I still wish to never do this again.
