“I deserve to be here.” - Kastella Nguyen
“Even though I no longer debate, I find myself going back to my roots more often than not. As I wait for office hours at Stanford University, I still pace the halls listening to my favorite song. And just like in high school, I always push forward, holding my head high even when I am afraid. Despite the fear racing through me, I know that I am ready. I enter the room and sit down,” describes SVUDL alum and current Stanford University sophomore Kastella Nguyen during her speech at Words To The Wise 2023.
Her passionate words had everyone spellbound as she described the impact SVUDL had in helping to raise her expectations of what she can achieve — and equally important, to take the steps toward making it happen. As her accomplishments mounted in Speech and Debate, her confidence grew.
“My perseverance followed me into college. As a first-generation student, college felt pretty similar to debate. It was an unfamiliar place with people who seemed smarter and more privileged than me. And while I no longer compete against high school students across the country, I must continue to fight and make space for myself at Stanford. I spent a lot of time learning how to be on my own for the first time. It forced me to face the challenges ahead of me. Even after finishing my first year, college still feels scary and unknown,” continued Kastella. “However, unlike high school, I feel more prepared to take on the challenge. Even though I often still feel intimidated by my peers, I know deep down that I deserve to be here. That is because, against all odds, I am here.”
Her road to success was not an easy one. She established the first debate team at her high school with a fellow sophomore, and although she initially lost many tournaments, she persevered, breaking countless barriers as she eventually became a nationally ranked debater and won more rounds than she could have ever imagined.
“In a lot of ways, college feels the same. Despite everything, I made it to Stanford. Debate gave me the skills to succeed in college and beyond. Office hours are a lot like debate rounds. I must be ready to cross-examine my professor who may or may not have a direct answer to my questions, which is like a lot of the debaters I’ve faced,” said Kastella.
Office hours are no longer daunting to Kastella. Her diligence and questions have allowed her to build a connection with her professors, creating mentors who will help her throughout college. “Even as our conversations slowly move away from academics, I’m not worried. Debate has prepared me for anything that may come my way,” reflected Kastella.
SVUDL’s transferable skills helped her to build stronger relationships,stemming from her critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills which are applicable to all aspects of life. Learning the skills SVUDL teaches ensures students can advocate for themselves in every facet of their lives. They are empowered to take hold of their agency, advocating for what they feel is important in their personal and academic relationships, as well as in their communities. The connections students make with professionals and mentors support students on their academic and professional journeys, now and for years to come.
