``FRESH MEAT.

[spiffyswell]

well, my name is amanda and i'm 16-years old.
this is my first year as a forensics member at my school so i'm ready to get going!

anybody have any advice before i step out into the world of forensics?

[torn]

well, my name is amanda and i'm 16-years old.
this is my first year as a forensics member at my school so i'm ready to get going!

anybody have any advice before i step out into the world of forensics?

Never stop competing until they tell you that you can't compete anymore

[Interpret]

Bring an extra pair of pants...
just do it.

[oHIo]

Bring an extra pair of pants...
just do it.

Or have a couple of really good friends who are your size.

[torn]

And buy a couple gift cards to Starbucks

[nirorivers6]

the pants thing is important...no really, just do it.

[RiseAboveReality]

And shoes. Because heels do break.

OFTEN.


It does help to have friends who are your size. So make some of those. Yep.

[Cinderella]

- Have flats with you. Some campuses you'll compete on are freaking huge and no one wants to walk from round to round in heels until their feet bleed.

- Bring granola bars or crackers with you to munch on between rounds, especially if you have a nervous stomach. That way you can keep your energy up on the long days, or if you opt out of whatever greasy lunch is provided, you can spare yourself passing out.

- Also on that note, drink a lot of water! (Just wait until the round's over to use the restroom! - which reminds me, you've had team members explain in-round ettiquite, haven't you? If not, just say the word and trust me, we'll bombard you. It's VERY important.)

- What the others have said about having a friend your size is actually a really good idea. It's a "just in case" that will come up much more than you might realize, be it days when you might have forgotten a part of your suit, or tear your stockings, or indeed, break a heel or do something to your pants/skirt.

- Don't be afraid to make friends from other teams. Obviously don't ignore your own team, but you'll find that in a lot of places, people who compete against each other a lot end up being VERY good friends.



Most importantly: NEVER EVER get so hung up on ranks or trophies that you forget to have fun!!!!