The Difference is that My Sport Is Speaking
SVUDL has changed Julian “JJ” Christensen’s perspective on his life. “SVUDL has made me more confident as a person. The ability to go to tournaments and participate and compete has given me the confidence to actually follow through on something and finish something. I feel it’s the same sort of confidence that other more physical athletes get from other sports. The difference is that my sport is speaking,” shared JJ.
SVUDL has also impacted JJ’s goals for the future. “Learning the mechanics and skills necessary to deliver a good speech allows me to open up doors for myself. As somebody who wants to be a journalist in the future, it has made me less afraid of voicing my opinions and more comfortable telling stories,” said JJ.
Many things strike JJ as impactful about his experiences within SVUDL “SVUDL is a very kind and friendly environment. The atmosphere at every tournament I have been to has been nothing short of delightful with no drama and no issues with other competitors. I have made good friends with other people in between rounds. When I first started I learned to look up to those who were better than me, and it feels like everyone is trying to learn from each other the best they can. It’s a great vibe,” reflected JJ.
JJ first got involved with SVUDL when Kwodwo Moore taught debate at Summit Everest High School in Redwood City. JJ took his class during quarantine, and then again the year after. “This year, we were finally able to start a debate club and start participating in tournaments which I especially enjoy. Competing is incredibly rewarding, especially when I am up against other really talented people as I often am,” said JJ.
His favorite SVUDL memories are the time spent with teammates and other SVUDL students learning from one another and hanging out. “These are some of the best memories I will probably ever have,” shared JJ. “The college application process has been tough, but fun-ish. I’m mostly through with it now. When I head to college, I know that the SVUDL skills I will take will be public speaking and teambuilding.”
