One of the ways my high school experience
changed the way I see myself
and what is possible for me in the future
is it allowed me to take ownership
over my learning and over my life.
I had incredible teachers and mentors in my high school
who encouraged me to aspire for more,
to take the lead in my learning
and to use the people around me and my network
to propel me towards the future.
I think it is important to allow young people
to have a voice in redesigning their high school
because it primarily teaches us to, one,
take ownership over our educational careers and experiences,
but it also teaches us to have a seat at the table.
And as a student who comes from a low-income family
who is a person of color,
I specially appreciated that experience
because it allowed me to be able to take ownership
and to take the seat at the table
and not wait for others to make that space for me,
but to grab that space
and to be able to open doors for others behind me
and to be able to empower not only myself,
but my community behind me.