My Voice is a Platform
This year's John Dawson Leadership Award recipient is Ryan Nguyen, a Yerba Buena High School senior whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of Speech and Debate. The prestigious award honors students who embody leadership in the spirit of SVUDL Co-Founder John Dawson's vision of this organization serving as a training ground for future leaders.
Ryan's relationship with SVUDL began almost by chance during his freshman year. "I heard there would be snacks, and debate club was the first club that I ever tried at school," he recalled. What started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a passionate pursuit, with Ryan attending his first tournament—the SVUDL Sojourner Truth Invitational in 2021.
For Ryan, SVUDL provided more than just debate skills; it offered a platform where he could discover and amplify his authentic voice. "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," he explains. "This access to freely voice my opinions allowed me to explore and understand my own perspectives and subjectivities."
Ryan appreciates the support SVUDL has offered during his journey: "SVUDL has continually invested in my growth through constant coaching from seasoned debaters, funding national tournament entry fees, travel costs, and debate camp."
One of Ryan's most cherished memories comes from his participation in his first national debate championship - the Urban Debate National Championship in 2023. “I bonded with teachers, coaches, and teammates while exploring Dallas and trying barbecue for the first time! These experiences connected me with prominent figures in the debate world which is a more connected and tightly knit community than I realized."
As he approaches graduation, Ryan has been navigating the college application process, which he candidly admits has been one of the most stressful times in his entire life. He applied to multiple universities, received many acceptances and has recently decided to attend UC Berkeley this fall.
SVUDL has played a crucial role in Ryan's college application journey: "No matter where I was in my application process, I always found that debate and SVUDL were topics I could rely on and talk comfortably about in a variety of ways." He incorporated his debate experiences into all his essays, dedicating one entirely to his experience with SVUDL.
SVUDL has significantly shaped Ryan's career aspirations. Through the organization, he discovered the diverse professional paths connected to Speech and Debate—from law and politics to academia and business. This exposure, along with networking events, have inspired Ryan to pursue a career in education.
"I've seen the role that education has in shaping subjectivities and inspiring people to be well-researched, educated, and confident," he shares, reflecting on how his experiences have clarified his professional goals.
Perhaps most significantly, SVUDL has transformed Ryan as a person. "If there is one core tenet of my life I attribute to SVUDL, it is empathy," he states. His involvement with debate and the SVUDL community has made him "a more loving and compassionate person," continuously exposing him to diverse perspectives that shape how he interacts with the world.
Ryan specifically mentions being inspired by Dr. Burns, SVUDL's Director of Programming, whose compassion, joy, and "inhuman level of patience" have become qualities Ryan strives to emulate in his own life.
As Ryan prepares for the next chapter of his journey, he carries with him the gifts of voice, opportunity, and empathy—all part of the legacy of John Dawson's vision for developing future leaders.
“Leadership, to me, is not about being the most knowledgeable instructor, commanding the most respect from the greatest number of people, or developing the best curriculum; it is about fighting right alongside those I serve as peers and comrades,” reflected Ryan.
