"Hold true to yourself and don't let anyone come in between you and your vision."
After aging out of the foster care system, Justice Robinson enrolled at Hillsborough College (HC), determined to pursue her passions and build a future. Upon moving to Tampa in 2023, Justice enrolled at HC as a full-time, first-generation college student and auditioned for the dance program on the Ybor City Campus.
The dance program allowed Justice to both refine her craft, and prove to those who doubted her, that she could get a degree doing what she loves.
Since enrolling, she has served as a Student Government Association (SGA) senator, served as vice president for the campus’ unofficial fashion club and won the 2025 Great Debate competition. She later earned second place in the inaugural Sunshine State Debate Competition, earning a $1,000 scholarship and further cementing her passion for advocacy and public service.
Justice said her leadership roles taught her patience and the importance of being intentional. As an SGA senator, she advocated for the student body and helped elevate student voices across campus. Through those experiences, she strengthened her professional skills, expanded her network and discovered new opportunities for leadership and service. In the fashion club, she helped create a space for students to establish their personal identity and express themselves. Dance taught her to balance a demanding schedule while making time for her passions.
"With a rigorous schedule, you have to be okay with not being perfect," she said. "A lot of people come from different backgrounds and dance in different styles. No matter how much you learn, you are always starting over and learning something new."
At first, debate was simply a hobby for Justice, who already loved public speaking. She understood the challenge of speaking before a crowd, knowing words can either inspire or provoke discussion. She draws on her knowledge and experiences to approach each debate with confidence.
"You're here for a reason, to speak for that reason," she said. "Everyone is here for you. Have the confidence to know what you're doing. You leave impact, inspiration or an idea."
While taking a speech course taught by debate coach Dr. Ann Marie Coats, she was encouraged to apply for The Great Debate. What began as an extra-credit opportunity quickly became a serious commitment. For two months, participating students trained and practiced before competing in the collegewide Great Debate competition.
"I was taught I was a small thing in a big universe," she said. "Seeing so many people come to encourage me made me want to hone my skills more. It really changed how I thought of myself as a speaker and a person.”
"I didn't know what type of debate team I was walking into," she said. "It ended up being fun, because there are so many ways to debate, and I got to absorb it all and talk to open-minded people with different perspectives."
The debate followed Justice beyond campus. She regularly discussed the topic "Should companies move to a four-day work week?" with friends and spent hours researching the potential benefits and drawbacks. Through the process, she sharpened her communication skills and gained a deeper appreciation for the power of informed discussion.
"I just brought it up and I asked what they thought about it," she said. "I got to get an idea of everyone's thoughts and apply that to practice."
After winning The Great Debate at HC, Justice advanced to the inaugural Sunshine State Debate Competition, held in February 2026 in Tallahassee, Florida.
"This was my first year debating, and I'd never done it professionally,” she said. “I had no idea what to do. I went in with a sense of confidence, and I had to tell myself, 'Yeah, it's my third debate, but you know what you're doing, and you are as prepared as everyone else is in this room.'"
Out of more than 100 students representing 21 Florida College System institutions, Justice Robinson advanced to the final debate and earned second place in the inaugural Sunshine State Debate Competition.
"Seeing how I move with my voice and seeing the reassurances, I see where I need to be," she said. "I need to build a career out of this. I will be the voice for people in need."
Justice plans to continue debating and eventually expand her advocacy statewide. Her goal is to serve in government and advocate for others.
"I hope to be part of the change my generation wants," she said. "Now I can be a part of a bigger picture, and that's the life I want."
As she works toward graduating from HC in May 2027, she continues to take advantage of college resources and opportunities that support her goals. She encourages students to connect with their advisors and trust their instincts as they pursue their educational goals. She hopes more students will attend SGA events, join clubs and become involved on campus. Above all, she emphasizes the importance of finding a community.
"College can break you down. You need someone to talk to," she said. "You want to have people in your corner, and if you have no community, it will be hard. Have those people uplift you."
Justice is grateful for the people she has met at HC who have made a lasting impact on her journey. She specifically thanks her two Great Debate coaches, the art gallery staff and student activities staff member, Zakariah Lemons, for supporting her through her journey.
"Remember to have fun, seriously," she said. "Have fun through the process, remember who you are and have joy. We all need to have something to smile at. Just have fun."
After she earns her associate in arts degree, Justice plans to re-enroll at HC to pursue both an associate in science degree and advanced technical certificate in paralegal studies.
HC’s 2026 Great Debate takes place on Oct. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Ybor City Campus. Students from all HC campuses are welcome. For more information on how to be involved next year, contact Dr. Ann Marie Coats at acoats@hccfl.edu.