Embracing The Power of Sitting with Discomfort

"During quarantine, I started to reflect on finding my voice," Chloe began. "I come from a big family with three brothers, and it was often hard to speak up and be heard. I wanted to develop conversational skills and build a sense of confidence. I was focused on discovering who I was becoming, and when I asked about starting a Speech and Debate club at my school, I was told I couldn't because I was only a freshman. But then a few seniors started the team, and once they connected with SVUDL, I began participating in tournaments and events during my sophomore year."

Chloe shared that the greatest gift SVUDL offered her was the chance to learn how to sit with discomfort. "In order to debate, you have to be willing to be uncomfortable. 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."

SVUDL's tough love approach was something Chloe came to appreciate. "They didn't make things easy, and I actually appreciate that now. Looking back, I don't regret any of my experiences, no matter how uncomfortable they felt in the moment."

One pivotal moment came during her sophomore year. Chloe was paired with the team captain for a moot court event. "I was the newbie being carried by others," she recalled. "But at that event, something changed. I was terrified, unsure if I’d even make it to the finals. But we did, and when I found out I would be presenting to 300 people, I had to make a choice: either back out or take the leap. I chose the latter, knowing it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What I didn’t realize was how powerful that moment would be until I stood in front of everyone."

As Chloe faced the three prestigious judges, something clicked within her. "It felt like time slowed down. I was nervous, yes, but I was also comfortable with who I was and how I sounded. I was my own speaker, my own person. That moment was a breakthrough."

Through her participation in SVUDL, Chloe gained more than just speaking skills. "I began to find confidence in my values and my beliefs. In the past, I used to change the way I acted or spoke based on who I was with. But now, I’m grounded in my beliefs and confident enough to voice them with conviction. SVUDL helped me become more articulate, and that’s something I will carry with me forever."

As Chloe navigated the college application process, she realized just how much debate had shaped her. "When I was filling out my applications, I noticed that 13 out of the 20 activities I listed were from debate! It helped me reflect on how much I've grown. College applications are tough, but it was also a chance to recognize how far I've come, especially through SVUDL."

Chloe plans to major in political science, a bold decision in her family. "My parents had their heart set on me going into medicine or computer science because they have resources in those areas. It was through SVUDL that I found my voice and the confidence to pursue it. SVUDL gave me the tools to speak up and say, ‘I’m going to become a lawyer and go into politics.’"

"The most powerful tool I gained from SVUDL is a sense of audacity," Chloe explained. "In tournaments, especially at the national level, I often felt small. Sometimes I felt judged for how I looked, and I began to see the parallels between the debate world and the outside world—women face the same kind of scrutiny everywhere. Imposter syndrome is real for many women, and it’s disproportionately felt compared with our male counterparts."

Chloe reflected on how SVUDL helped her confront these feelings of discomfort. "I used to try to change who I was to make myself more 'digestible.' But through those experiences, I learned that I would never compromise my values or my identity for success. Now, I understand the importance of staying true to myself, even when it's uncomfortable."

Chloe’s perspective on authenticity and excellence has also shifted. "Before SVUDL, I thought authenticity and excellence were mutually exclusive. But now I realize that I deserve success, and I don’t have to compromise my authenticity to achieve it. SVUDL has taught me that these things can coexist, and I want to share that message with the debate community and beyond."

Speaking of deserving success, Chloe was recently named NAUDL’s 2025 Debater of the Year. “I’m very grateful to be this year's Debater of the Year award. None of this would be possible without the mentorship SVUDL provides. I think that overall my debate career has been fulfilling, and I can’t wait to see where these skills will take me in the future,” she said.

SVUDL’s influence has taught Chloe to question assumptions and change her inner dialogue. "Before SVUDL, there was a voice inside me that said, 'Stay small; stay comfortable.' Now, that voice is drowned out by a louder voice asking, 'Why not you?' This shift has changed how I view opportunities and my own potential. I still struggle with imposter syndrome and sometimes question if my achievements are due to luck. But SVUDL has helped me find my voice and accept who I am today."

Through her journey with SVUDL, Chloe learned to embrace discomfort as a stepping stone to growth and self-discovery. She now stands confident in her ability to speak up, face challenges head-on, and stay true to herself—no matter how uncomfortable it might feel.