In August I started working with Americorps through an education non-profit organization. Through this program I hold after-school ACT preparation and college readiness courses with low-income students. At first, everything was a whirlwind and I was very unsure about what I was getting myself into. From conversations about racial justice to equity to institutionalized racism, every day was not only a new topic, but a new adventure finding ways to best support students who face these very real things. These were all topics that I had some exposure to in college, but had never seen them played out in ‘real life’. Now, going into my third month in the school with these students, I recognize that these are situations that play out right in front of me.

On an average day there is about 20 of us in the classroom, where I am often the minority. The conversations that we have are unbelievable, and are often revolved around equity and equal access to education. At first, these conversations were awkward and I was unsure about what the ‘right thing’ to say was. I have found that it is less important to say the ‘right thing’, and more important to talk about solutions. Every day I push myself a little further to have the courage to talk about these complicated issues going on in the world. These are real issues affecting real people, and their voices matter.

They are facing head on some of the most difficult barriers at the young age of 17. My classroom is a safe place and I hope that someday the world will be a safe place, too. Everything continues to be a whirlwind to this day, but it is a beautiful, adventurous whirlwind. This experience and these students have changed my thought patterns and challenged me to think about what inclusion truly means.

Some of these young adults experience tough home lives, discrimination at work, exclusion at school, often discredited for their work, and very seldom are they congratulated for all of the amazing barriers they overcome every single day. The most incredible part is that they do not let these systemic oppressions change how they view themselves or their happiness. We did an exercise in class that challenged us to think about stress and happiness, but it turned out that I was really the only one who was having a hard time. So, here are some reasons why we should value everyone, not just the privileged.

“I believe if you find more reasons and opportunities to be in happy places, it can minimize the struggles you may deal with daily”

“I know the world may seem like a bad place and there is no hope for our future but despite those things, I like to hope that the best is yet to come.”

“It’s important not to limit yourself”

“I am really hardworking when it comes to my education and path. I care for my future”

“If you’re happy, life is good”

“I help my friends because I know the feeling of stress”

“I think my biggest strength is my ability to set a goal for myself and work to achieve it. I have integrity”

“I try to look at the bright side of any hard or bad moments”

“I am interested in social and world issues. Equality is something I really strive for”

“I like to see the good in people because it helps me feel more at peace in the world”