The LADI is proud to announce our newest hire, Jackson Lallas! Get to know him with our pre-camp interview.
Jackson debated LD at Brentwood High School from 2011-2015, earning 17 career bids and qualifying to TOC sophomore – senior year. As a senior, he made it to the quarterfinals of TOC, won Golden Desert, was runner up at The Glenbrooks, and 6th place at NSDA nationals. He also won the VBI camp tournament and coached a freshman to TOC this year. Jackson studies Economics and Computer Science at Stanford University.
Below, Jackson answers a few questions about his favorite parts about debate, debate memories, and more!
Favorite food?
I really like sushi.
Favorite non-debate related hobby (if any)?
None, lifer.
Spirit animal?
Lion
What first got you interested in debate?
I was interested in debate for a long time – ever since elementary school! I joined the club in sixth grade, competed in parliamentary in middle school, and it kept going from there.
What was the most difficult round of your debate career?
When I first debated Danny DeBois at Bronx my sophomore year. I got completely obliterated.
What was your favorite debate round of your career?
Probably octas at TOC my senior year. It was by far my best performance on theory, and it felt like a good showcase for how much work I had done going into the tournament.
What was you pre-round/pre-tournament ritual?
Didn’t really have one. (I did go to the bathroom a lot before rounds but would prefer that you omit this)
What is your funniest debate related memory?
Anything involving Jared Paul.
You were known as being a theory debater, what did you find most enjoyable/strategic about theory heavy strategies?
I really liked extemping theory. It was fun to be able to create a strategy on the fly – which gave me a lot of freedom in terms of what arguments I could make and the ability to tailor the theory to the round as opposed to being constrained by something pre written.
What advice would you give to younger debaters trying to improve?
Find something you enjoy and focus on it. It’s hard to get good at everything early on, but knowing a specific style well can help you understand debate fundamentals and improve tournament results.
What are you most looking forward to about working at LADI?
I’m looking forward to being able to work with students more closely. At larger camps it can be difficult to spend a lot of time focusing on one student because you are looking after so many.