Any activities involving group collaboration has its lessons, like sports. Mock Trial may not be a sport, but it sure is competitive. Yet similar to athletics, it’s not all about what you are doing — it’s about the benefits and takeaways one can receive from doing such things.
“Mock Trial really offers students an insight into what goes into a case, what court lawyers do, and the environment of a court when someone is on trial. In a broader sense as well, it gives an insight into how people with different goals can spin a story from a set of facts into completely different narratives,” Jenna Teterin, a sophomore on the varsity roster, said.
Just like many things done in life, there is always a deeper meaning to what you participate in.
“It’s also a team experience without the athletics, which in turn lets many students create new friendships while working in a field they’re thinking of going into as their career,” Teterin said.
Mock Trial isn’t only preparation for becoming potential attorneys; it’s an opportunity to meet and learn about different people, like the those you will be arguing against. As Teterin mentioned, it is a team effort with great potential for new friendships, as they all share a common interest.
“Mock Trial provides me with just such a glimpse that I believe would be difficult to obtain elsewhere. It is also comprised of a smart, sociable collection of students; the friends that I find at Mock Trial are integral to my motivation to participate each season,” Joe Bazarsky, a member of Mock Trial, said.
Yet alongside the social skills acquired from participating in Mock Trial, it’s essentially about learning what a career as an attorney is really like. Students learn how to write direct and cross examinations, as well as how to write opening and closing arguments.
“Choosing which Carlmont club to join wasn’t easy, yet I’m glad I found this one. Once I found Mock Trial, I learned many things and really improved my public speaking ability. Everyone is required to speak in front of an audience of course. It teaches us about the law and how courtrooms work. Lastly, one thing that I cherish the most in Mock Trial is how much fun it can be. You have the chance to meet new people, joke around, and spend time with them,” Normandy Ng, a sophomore on the junior varsity roster, said.
There are many lessons learned, whether it’s social skills or deeper investigation of your interests. They are all very meaningful and useful in the future, yet it can be more valuable to enjoy what you are doing than to learn about things you don’t.
