At this year’s annual Flourish Collective gathering, Silicon Valley Urban Debate League (SVUDL) had the privilege of celebrating the transformative power of debate through the stories of two remarkable alumni: Chloe Truong and Ryan Nguyen. Accompanied by SVUDL Director of Education Dr. Robert Burns, Chloe and Ryan participated in an Impact Partner Spotlight highlighting how their experiences in debate continue to shape their lives as students, leaders, and advocates.
The gathering also marked an important milestone in SVUDL’s three-year relationship with the Flourish Collective, a partnership rooted in a shared commitment to empowering young people and helping them discover their potential.
Now students at the University of California, Berkeley, Chloe and Ryan reflected on the lasting influence of debate—not simply as a competitive activity, but as a means of developing confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Learning to Embrace Discomfort
For Chloe, one of the most valuable lessons of debate was learning to do difficult things, even when they felt uncomfortable.
“The greatest gift SVUDL offered me was the chance to learn how to sit with discomfort,” Chloe reflected.
She explained how debate challenged her to confront unfamiliar situations, navigate disagreement, and become more resilient through adversity.
“At first, discomfort feels like something to avoid. But SVUDL showed me that discomfort is an opportunity for growth. Over time, I've learned to balance authenticity with excellence, and how to deal with conflict. It’s a constant journey of being tested and growing stronger through it.”
Chloe described how these lessons have extended far beyond competitive debate. Whether engaging in community organizing, teaching, or participating in conversations where she once might have felt intimidated, she has learned to be bolder in asserting her perspective and recognizing that she belongs in the room.
Her story illustrated a powerful lesson: confidence does not necessarily mean being comfortable. Sometimes, it means having the courage to participate even when we are not.
Discovering the Power of His Voice
For Ryan, SVUDL opened doors to people, experiences, and opportunities that might otherwise have remained inaccessible.
Through debate, Ryan developed relationships with professionals in the legal and business communities, expanding his understanding of possible career paths and the opportunities available to him.
Equally important, debate helped Ryan move beyond his naturally introverted personality. Through the encouragement of coaches, volunteers, and fellow debaters, he gradually developed the confidence to express himself in unfamiliar settings.
“The most important tool that enabled me to leverage my voice was the community of receptive coaches, staff members, volunteers, and fellow debaters who fostered a space where I can speak without fear of being discriminated against or silenced,” Ryan explained.
“This access to freely voice my opinions allowed me to explore and understand my own perspectives and subjectivities.”
Ryan’s reflections demonstrated that finding one's voice requires more than learning public speaking techniques. It also requires a supportive community where young people feel heard, respected, and encouraged to contribute.
The Lasting Impact of Debate
Together, Chloe and Ryan offered a compelling picture of SVUDL’s impact beyond the classroom and tournament room. Their experiences demonstrated how debate equips students not only to construct arguments and communicate persuasively, but also to navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships, and confidently pursue new opportunities.
Their stories resonated with the Flourish Collective’s emphasis on storytelling, courage, and the transformative potential of embracing discomfort.
SVUDL is grateful to the Flourish Collective for its continued partnership and for providing Chloe and Ryan with an opportunity to share their journeys. Most importantly, we celebrate these two alumni, whose experiences remind us why investing in young people's voices matters—and how the skills developed through debate can continue to flourish long after graduation.
