“The art of literacy is fundamental to a human” - Neha Parthasarathi

“The first of September in 2020 marks a day I will forever be grateful for. Staring at my Zoom screen filled with minuscule faces, my nervousness left me gripping the edge of my seat. As a shy freshman, I blindly ventured on a journey I would soon grow to love. I even recall reciting my introduction over and over: ‘Hi! I’m Neha Parthasarathi and I joined Speech & Debate to learn how to argue,’ was my line,” said Neha. 

This was the beginning of SVUDL Silver Creek High School Senior Neha Parthasarathi’s college essay. She continued, “Stepping out of my comfort zone back on September 1, 2020 empowered me to find my voice buried within me - enabling me to accomplish goals I had never dreamed of before,” shared Neha. 

It is that discovery of voice that reveals the opportunity to step into the future as a professional and community leader. “The art of literacy is fundamental to a human. SVUDL has not only taught me to voice my thoughts unapologetically, but for a long time helped me pave the path to actually participating within institutions that allow for youth to express their opinions.”

Validating her Zoom prediction, Neha did in fact learn how to argue. This led to even more discoveries. “Debating topics ranging from international relations to social welfare legislation helped expand my general knowledge in other aspects of my academic life,” she recalled.

Over time, Neha’s confidence grew in parallel to her increasing knowledge. As high school progressed, she found herself speaking without rehearsing.  Her ease for words and critical thinking influenced her passion for solving global issues through entrepreneurial innovation.

Neha was introduced to new opportunities through SVUDL and this expanded access widened her interest in the legal field and even inspired her to co-found a nonprofit. “SVUDL empowered me to advocate for others through my student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Voicepedia, where my team aspires to provide literacy skills (speaking, reading, and writing in English) to refugee youth in America and globally,” she said.

She also developed a passion for social activism and public service. A youth commissioner for the Juvenile Justice Commision of Santa Clara Superior Court, she advocated by authoring reports on County facilities and inspections of law enforcement agencies, and meeting community partners that contribute to the wellbeing of youth. “Veering from the norms of my daily life opened my eyes to the reality that many of my peers face and bolstered my support for youth advocacy,” she noted.

Neha recognizes that a diversity of voices builds a more equitable and brighter world. “Diversity of voices allows communities to better support all populations equitably and is fundamental to a stronger community. Listening to these voices not only allows us to gain a wider perspective of global issues, but we also learn through collaboration,” she described.

SVUDL has changed her perspective on her life. “SVUDL has opened my eyes to the world of social justice within communities. The experiences I have gained have been indelible to my adulting years, educating me about the importance of uplifting underserved populations. I hope I will continue to carry out principles of equity, diversity, and justice within every endeavor I participate in,” she described.

She recognizes and appreciates the tools she has gleaned from SVUDL to help her advocate for what she feels is important. “SVUDL has provided me with a platform in which I can voice my thoughts unapologetically. I have learned to effectively communicate my opinions to others and advocate for what at times I feel is not the ‘majority opinion’. I have learned to be confident in my voice,” she said.

Neha credits SVUDL with helping to express her thoughts, ideas, and arguments eloquently. “Speech and Debate didn’t just teach me how to speak, but also who to cater my ideas and thoughts to in crafting my language. The debate drill of ‘how would you explain this to a child’ helped me understand how to simplify arguments based on who I am speaking with, and this will carry over into a lifetime of advancing my interpersonal skills in my future educational settings and workplaces,” she said.

SVUDL has impacted her goals for the future, and she is inspired to pursue a career path in law. The legal field within business has always been an interdisciplinary field of interest from her experiences as an entrepreneur and a youth committed to public service. She is passionate about exploring juvenile law further, continuing her involvement with the Juvenile Justice Commission, and even potentially the civil grand jury.  

Debating topics ranging from international relations to social welfare legislation helped expand her general knowledge in other aspects of her academic life. Her ease for words and critical thinking influenced her passion for solving global issues through entrepreneurial innovation.

“When I initially joined SVUDL, I had the perception that it was solely a debate organization that mentors high school students within public speaking. It was surprising to learn that it was an organization that also promotes career technical education in not only direct legal fields, but also different facets of law. I am so grateful to have experienced their programming whether this was their field trips to Santa Clara Superior Courts, partner events, or debating forums,” she said. “I think the biggest gift I gained from SVUDL was my voice. I wasn’t a great public speaker prior to joining my debate program and struggled immensely with being able to articulate my thoughts in a way that was compelling. I am grateful for all the experiences I have gained, whether this was from the curriculum taught, the friends I made, or the competitive opportunities. Now, more confident than ever, I have learned to be a better advocate not only for myself, but also for others.”

From the beginning of her freshman year, she has been competing in the Public Forum (PF) Debate. Neha and her partner were the only Public Forum team in Silver Creek and SVUDL. “My favorite memory was watching the PF division grow into 10 strong active teams that I coach with my partner. Our drive with SVUDL prospered as Dr. Burns allowed us to form a PF division. Now, I am so happy to see several teams from other schools compete in our league tournaments within PF debate,” she proudly recalled.

Some of Neha’s favorite moments also include expanded access to networking opportunities with industry professionals, participation in Moot Court for three consecutive years, and the experience of role-playing an appellate court attorney with real time feedback from current Ninth Circuit judges. 

Neha is waiting to find out where she will attend college in the fall.  “The college application process has been very demanding – although hopefully worth its triumphs. I believe that my foundational skills in speaking translated to writing college essays. The majority of my college applications consisted of supplemental essays in which I wrote about many high school experiences, including referencing my journey within Speech and Debate of overcoming my speaking fears!” she shared.

When she packs her bags for college, she will also bring her SVUDL skills to campus. “I will definitely take my work ethic produced from Speech and Debate from preparing for competitions. My research and literacy skills have improved and will come in handy,” she said.