As a Grossmont alum who returned as Grossmont’s new speech and debate coach after five years, Andrew Jassick is a living example of how impactful the program can be.
The U.S. Navy veteran started his education at Grossmont as a culinary arts major, then graduated seven years later with an associate degree in communication.
In 2016, Jassick was introduced to Grossmont’s Forensics team, when he expressed interest in a class that would allow him to talk in front of a crowd. He sat in for one class, saw a poetry interpretation speech, then left, “because I said I would never be able to do that,” Jassick recalled.
He said he was mesmerized by the speaker, yet so terrified that he did not officially join the team until two years later.
“And that’s where I found everything I needed to believe in myself and graduate,” Jassick said. Speech and debate “is what propelled me to actually do something with my life.”
Jassick said he remembered the team having one coach at the time – now- Head Coach Roxanne Tuscany – and approximately 13 students in the class, with nine competing and five continuing to nationals.
Currently, the team has nearly 40 students, with 20 competitors and three coaches.
Jassick then continued his education at National University, where he achieved a bachelor’s in psychology. That same year he attended the Annual Griffin Invitational and reconnected with Tuscany. She encouraged him to obtain a master’s degree to teach at a college level. The following year, Jassick graduated with a master’s in strategic communication from National University,
“It was with the sole purpose of coming back to teach at Grossmont,” Jassick said. “That is the only reason why I did it.”
Although speech and debate is a resource to help improve skills, it is more than that. “ is not about the trophies and the awards,” he said. “Inevitably, it will all be in your garage somewhere in a box.”
Jassick described the program as an opportunity to tell your story in a world where we are rarely able to do so others know they’re not alone.
To join the team, students need to be registered for the class. However, it is not grade-focused; instead it emphasizes the learning process. Jassick described the class to be an intimate setting similar to therapy, as they sit and talk, share stories, collaborate and teach each other while gaining skills. During this process, students are encouraged to write speeches they resonate with.
Dr. Michael McHan, another coach on the team, said, “It is powerful seeing the stories that arise from someone crafting a speech of their own.”
Former team member and student volunteer coach Adrian Guzman y Ruiz shares a similar story. Guzman was enrolled at Grossmont with the aspiration to be a doctor, which soon changed after joining the team. Guzman currently attends UC of San Diego’s Marshall College studying public policy analysis and is now striving to become an attorney.
Guzman, who competed with the team in Japan, said that was his first time traveling outside of North America and if it were not for the team he would not have had the life-changing experience.
“Being able to be who you are and discuss what you want when you want,” Guzman said through text messages when asked what speech and debate mean to him. “It is a meaningful and life-altering program that everyone should consider.”
McHan added, “I think it says a lot that Adrian is not even a student here but he’s still coming back to help as a student coach, it has meant that much for him.”
This program has not only impacted students’ lives professionally as a great resume builder but it opened opportunities for Jassick to teach overseas and allowed Guzman to seek public-interest internships. Through the program, students were able to create meaningful friendships.
Jassick emphasized the meaning of the program to be more than its title. As it is a safe space to be vulnerable, have an outlook to express yourself freely and tell your story. When he left the program he had two takeaways: he is not alone and now shares the responsibility to give people the opportunity to tell their story so others know they’re also not alone.
The coaches are recognized to be a part of a pivotal moment in students’ lives, instilling self-belief and improving confidence. Guzman acknowledged McHan as the person who taught him to be a confident, effective speaker in every setting and a friend he is grateful to have met.
Tuscany has been the head coach for over 30 years.
“I can only imagine how many hundreds of people walked out of speech and debate believing in themselves like I did,” Jassick said.
It is not uncommon for the team to want to practice outside of class, off-campus, or over break although it is not required. The students are passionate and want to sharpen their skills according to McHan. Tournaments are day-long events typically over the weekend, some include traveling. This level of commitment can speak volumes about the team’s dedication and devotion as they’re doing something they genuinely love, according to Jassick.
The team encourages everyone to attend the Griffin Invitational, hosted at Grossmont College in November.
Speech and debate is an academic sport where connections are made, skills are created and memories are shared. Jassick is just one of many students Tuscany and McHan have impacted. He now lives a life he is proud to say he loves because of this activity and those who make this program possible.
“Roxanne Michael gave me at least the knowledge that maybe I can be as important as they are,” Jassick said.
