Young people make a better Vermont. They enrich our communities and are problem-solvers who are eager to be engaged. We firmly believe that Vermont’s efforts around Universal Afterschool and Summer will not be successful without the involvement and input of our youth.
That’s why Vermont Afterschool has convened a group of young people from across Vermont to serve on the State Youth Advisory Group. And that’s why the SYAG is moving forward on efforts to include youth voice and leadership at every stage of the process.
The Vermont Youth Vision Board, as designed by the State Youth Advisory Group, offers a way to hear from young people across Vermont about what life is like for youth in their communities right now, what programs and opportunities they would like to see afterschool and over the summer, and what other resources and supports would really make a difference. There is no substitution for hearing directly from youth about what would be most beneficial to youth!
All Vermont youth ages 12-18 are invited to participate. The stories will be catalogued and shared via a special section of our website along with youth-created photos, artwork, poems, videos, and more.
Age 17, Windham County
Age 17, Windham County
"Not everyone feels very welcomed or as if they belong during normal school hours and some people have a difficult home life. If these peers of mine had a safe place to go and be themselves at, it would benefit their mental and emotional health."
As of right now, I am not in an afterschool program because my high school doesn't have one, but when I was in middle school, I went to their afterschool program for all four years that I was there. I kept coming back every year because I felt really welcomed by everyone and I felt accepted for who I was. In addition, it allowed me to get out of my shell and make new friends with people who had similar interests as me. I was able to find new passions such as kickboxing and jiu jitsu which showed me new possibilities as to what I was capable of, and it allowed my self-confidence to blossom. Through this afterschool program, I was also given leadership opportunities and I learned valuable life skills that I will be forever grateful for.
Something that I do outside of school that I really enjoy is going to the local public library. I love a few aspects about this activity. One is that I walk there, so I am able to enjoy the world around me, no matter the time of year. Another is that I am able to have a quiet place to just read for a few hours which is something I really look forward to doing. One more aspect that I love about this activity is the events the library holds sometimes. For example, last summer (summer 2021), I was able to create a mini painting on a tiny canvas and have it displayed in the library, and it was a lot of fun deciding what I was going to create!
My jiu jitsu professors were two people who I felt connected to and trusted. They were accepting of who I was which meant the world to me, and they became mentors who I could go to when I needed advice. They helped me become more confident in myself and grow as an individual. I always looked forward to the days their club was held on because I knew it would make my day no matter how rough it had been. They were similar to me in music tastes and interests and opinions, and it made it easier to become comfortable and connect with them.
I wish there was a youth book club brought to my community. I think this would be a great space for readers, like myself, to be able to go and talk about something they enjoy doing and to be able to have book discussions with others. I would go to this program often because I think it would allow me to get out of my shell more and connect with others who have similar interests. I would also love to attend a group like this because it would open doors to new novels for me and then I would be able to have in-depth discussions about them with others. In my mind, this would be a more relaxed setting, and this would also be a factor that would result in me attending often.
I personally don't think that there are a lot of programs or activities for youth in my community other than sports. If there are other groups that youth can attend, they aren't well advertised or talked about enough, for I haven't heard of any for a while. The high school that I attend doesn't even have an afterschool program, and they only really have sports for afterschool activities. There are clubs at my school, but they are held only during the day and that's only on certain days. I wish that there were more options for youth in my community, for not everyone enjoys doing sports, and even if they do, they might want more options for activities. I wish there was a wide range of options that could cover many interests of youth in my community.
An experience that has empowered me to work toward my goals was being accepted into the page program at the Vermont state house a few years ago. This opportunity was brought to my attention by teachers who led the afterschool program I went to in middle school, and they supported me fully through the whole process. This experience has empowered me to keep working toward my goals because hundreds of students apply each year and only thirty get selected, and I was one of those few students! Another reason this experience has empowered me to keep working toward my goals is because I was the first page selected from my town in over twenty years! Both of these reasons have showed me that good things can and will come to me if I put in the work, and it's made me more determined than ever to work hard for what I want to accomplish.
Something that motivates me to get involved to take action in something is the knowledge that unless I step up, there is the chance that no one else will. Because of this chance of happening, I always strive to take action in things I am passionate about. Currently, I am at the forefront of trying to get the BLM (Black Lives Matter) Flag put up at my school, and I am gaining student support and teacher support along the way. The fact that I live in a very white area makes people think that racism isn't a big problem in our area, but in reality, the issues regarding racism tend to just get swept under the rug. I believe it is incredibly important to let the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People Of Color) people in our community know that they are welcomed and accepted, and that the community is working toward becoming anti-racist, unlearning its biases, etc.
I don't want to live in my community when I am older, but it has very little to do with how my community is. One of the careers I am interested in is being a marine biologist specializing in jellyfish (medusology) and that's just something I can't really do in Vermont. Another career interest of mine is being a historian, but I am not sure quite yet what I would actually be doing as one, but I want to work in a big museum like one of the Smithsonian museums. If I go down this career path, and if I were to stay in Vermont, I would like to see Vermont get more funding for bigger and better museums. While I love the community I live in, it's very small and can feel suffocating at times, and I think that while I most likely won't live here when I am older, I will visit often because of how precious it is to me.
Age 13, Caledonia County
Age 13, Caledonia County
"I think there should be some clubs for lesser known sports/martial arts."
I love to practice Kenjutsu (the way of the sword) because it is very interesting and a lot more interesting than most sports I've played.
An afterschool program that could be brought into my community is probably Kenjutsu because it is pretty cheap to make your own practice swords and it is a sport that is easier for less active people.
Its very fun and not very serious. I think there should be some clubs for lesser known sports/martial arts.
I would stay in my community because it is a small community and most of the people are really nice.
Age 14, Chittenden County
Age 14, Chittenden County
"I think having a large variety of programs is very important because everyone is interested in different things and should be able to pursue them. I think many students can find a new passion or continue their passion during afterschool and summer programs."
The best part about the afterschool program I used to attend before the pandemic hit, was the people that I got to meet and form friendships with. In Odyssey of the Mind, teams work together to creatively solve a long-term problem, and present their solution at the end of the year at a state-wide competition. I met so many people throughout my 3 years participating, and the experiences I had were amazing. I grew stronger in my problem-solving skills, teamwork, communication, and became less shy in big groups of people. I kept coming back and participating in Odyssey of the Mind because I loved working in a team that was so open to everyone's ideas, and most of all, it was great to become closer to people I wouldn't expect to be friends with!
Being a youth in my community isn't the easiest right now because while schools and sports have opened up, many clubs and other activities haven't started due to the pandemic. Before Covid, my school offered many afterschool programs, but most of them have been shut down and only a few are still administered. I wish that there was a bigger variety of activities that were provided in school, but that doesn't stop me from participating in out-of-school recreations, such as the Vermont Youth Vision Board, Virtual Teen Science Cafes, and 4-H World Changers. I will be a freshman in High School next year, and I can't wait for all the opportunities and after-school clubs that I can be a part of!
I don't think I would choose to live in my community when I get older, even though I have so many supportive friends and amazing opportunities here. One of my life goals has always been to travel the world and visit new countries to experience different cultures and meet new people. I love traveling and I can't imagine living in Vermont my entire life. There is one exception though. If my extended family lived closer I think I would be more compelled to stay in my community. The vast majority of them live outside of the United States, and I am only able to visit them once a year (at the most). I value being around family and I wish that I was able to see my extended family more often to make as many memories as possible with them and always be surrounded by the many people I love!
Age 13, Addison County
Age 13, Addison County
"I do not want to live in Vermont when I get older, as I feel it could limit what I want to do with my life."
I attend an my high schools theater program. I like it because it serves my interests.
I love filmmaking. I like this because it lets me be creative.
I would love to see more appreciation put into the arts, and less in athletics.
I think youth have it ok, but there could be more resources put in towards youth engagement.
Being in places where I can experience new things.
I am motivated by the lack of others intention for change.
I do not want to live in Vermont when I get older, as I feel it could limit what I want to do with my life.
Age 17, Chittenden County
Age 17, Chittenden County
"My wish is for there to be a group or camp for students of colour to bond and connect and mentor each other in being successful for our future."
Young Eagles aviation program for youth and young adults. I keep going back because it’s such a inclusive and fun program.
I enjoy ice hockey. My school’s girls ice hockey program is very open and fun. We all get along which I think is important when working on a team. We all come from different backgrounds and opinions but at the end of the day I think those are qualities in becoming a strong team.
I am involved in Young Eagles, a youth aviation program, I am student body president of the class of 2023, as-well as a peer educator at Planned Parenthood, and I’m actively involved in many clubs and sports and youth activism. In my community there is a lack of students of colour voices being heard. My wish is for there to be a group or camp for students of colour to bond and connect and mentor each other in being successful for our future.
Me as well as the student justice union at my school took action in raising the Black Lives Matter flag all year round and not just in the month of February (black history Month). Many people in our community doubted us but we got it done . Many people say Gen Z will change the world and I agree we're passionate for change when there are injustices going on. It’s frustrating though because some people think we have to change the world but that’s a false rhetoric. Anyone can change the world at the end of the day if they mean well. They just need a good heart and a good group of people to support them.
I prefer to move out of state when I I’m grown older because there’s a lot of racism and people who are very strongly opinionated about things that are not good things. They just bullying people for the way they look etc. I think it’s important for me if I would stay here that there be a more diverse school system k-12, and people holding others accountable for their behaviour.
Age 16, Bennington County
Age 16, Bennington County
"Older people have the habit of ignoring your opinions and beliefs because of your young age, and there is a lack of programs and activities to engage in outside of school, making it difficult to find stuff to do what you truly and utterly enjoy doing other than what school offers."
I do Drama, and act in school productions. I love it because of how welcoming the club is and how meaningful acting feels for me.
I would want to go to a fencing club. My school used to have one and stopped, but as a huge fencing fan I would love to be able to enjoy the sport I love so much while engaging with the community.
Being a youth in this era can be rather difficult at time. Older people have the habit of ignoring your opinions and beliefs because of your young age, and there is a lack of programs and activities to engage in outside of school, making it difficult to find stuff to do what you truly and utterly enjoy doing other than what school offers.
My mother’s death made me work towards my goal by making me realize how temporary life is and how I needed to be able to live up to her memory.
Age 13, Orange County
Age 13, Orange County
"Being a youth in my community right now is a little isolating."
I love to build Legos and I create Youtube videos with Lego reviews. I create custom Lego builds. I also enjoy playing video games such as Minecraft. I love these activities because in both I get to build and create. I enjoy making replicas of real life places I’ve been.
Being a youth in my community right now is a little isolating. I can play sports at school, but it is challenging to hangout with friends because I live farther away than most. There is a teen center but it isn’t easily accessible to me. If school had more clubs after school such as ski program, video game club, or other cool things. That way I could stay after school and hang out with friends more often.
I want to live in Florida because it’s beautiful there. I would still want to visit Vermont often because I like the snow. I would like more opportunities to explore such as theme parks, zoos, aquariums, parks, and beaches. If I had really good friends and close family maybe I would want to stay near them in Vermont. If I were to stay in Vermont I’d like to stay in my community.
Age 17, Chittenden County
Age 17, Chittenden County
"Being youth in our community is actually fun but at same time I think we should be involved in most things going on around our city so we grow up knowing how things work and are going on in our community.."
I get homework help, and after that they check how I’m doing in school and play gym after.
Playing soccer and running.
The way they are also open up to me about their life to me.
Youth homework help.
Being youth in our community is actually fun but at same time I think we should be involved in most things going on around our city so we grow up knowing how things work and are going on in our community.
Upbound have help me a lot discover my goals, with a lot opportunities visiting bunch of colleges and seeing what each of them provide have me a lot.
Seeing how hard people in our government and in general polices who make sure everything is safe in our community motivate me a lot in keep working my best.
Yes I would love to stay here, because I feel safe here and people around here are very welcomed.
Age 15, Chittenden County
Age 15, Chittenden County
"A majority of the extracurricular activity I am involved with is based on changing and youth voices. I want to make a change in our world, and this is how I hope to do so."
I think having a good environment and social interactions/connections is the key point for me to do so. It's difficult to continue an afterschool program with no connections being made. It's difficult to continue attending a program when you can't connect with anything there. Another factor that makes me want to continue attending is interest! Why else would you join an afterschool program if you're not interested in the topic?
I think pursuing my interest and hobbies? Majority of the extracurricular activity I am involved with is based on changing and youth voices. I want to make a change in our world, and this is how I hope to do so. In my free time. I would draw, read, listen to music, and play games! There's not really a big reason as to why I like them. Simply put, I enjoy spending time to myself.
I don't think I have one at the moment? Maybe a student council in my school?
I feel like adults are taking us more seriously in the community right now. There are still lots of people/adults who aren't convinced/listening yet but that's okay. I feel like youth are sending out ideas, and the majority of the time youth are leading them and adults are helping us get there by advice, guiding, and stuff that we need in order to accomplish that goal.
I think the reason why I'm so motivated is based on my experiences as a youth. Because of adult actions, youth will be the ones to suffer from it. I also feel like we have to take responsibility for the stuff that adults have caused. If we don't take action now, the next generation and our world will have to suffer. And I do not want them to go through that. We are doing this by leading clubs, teams and spreading awareness on what is happening. Social media and the internet is also huge influence. People who like to be quieter with how they want to make a change, often do so by stating their opinions, voices, experiences and signing petitions for people who are more out there to use.
Like I said, if we don't take action now, our next generation and youth will have to suffer. A time I helped out within my community was when I and a program I am part of, helped out with a blanket drive. We contributed to the organization of clothes, folded them, and just helped out with making the event smoother.
Hmm, I don't think so. I love this community. Since we are a lot smaller, our community feels more ... close? The diversity also makes me feel more welcomed since I am BIPOC and feel safer here knowing there are more people who understand my identity. A reason I want to go somewhere else is to experience stuff I know I won't be able to experience here because of how small it is, and the location.
Age 17, Chittenden County
Age 17, Chittenden County
"Universal Afterschool and Summer would mean more opportunities for me to make a change in my community while learning about myself."
The best afterschool program I attend is the Neuroscience Club offered by my school. The Neuroscience Club has been one of the most influential academic experiences of my high school career, has provided me with several opportunities to expand on my love for science, and helped me narrow down on what I would like to pursue for a career. The environment of the club is welcoming of all levels, and I love how there are several ways for students to learn; from hands-on experiences, watching videos, and so much more.
I would like more opportunities for students to get involved in helping eliminate racial biases in my community. The centers in my community are mainly for adults to share their stories and voice their opinions on certain topics, so I would love to see students get involved in these types of discussions.
I wish there could be more accessible mental health resources available to youth in our community. The pandemic has limited students from participating in activities to the extent they used to, and this has taken a severe toll on their mental health.
Knowing that I will make not make a positive impact on just myself by joining an organization or afterschool program, but also help enhance the lives of others motivates me to take action. One instance where I strived to make change in my community was through the Student Justice Union Club at my school. We wanted to raise more awareness about BIPOC history, so we created several activities that teachers could share with students to help educate them on the history of Black Americans and we also helped raise the Black Lives Matter flag at all five schools in our district.
Age 13, Orleans County
Age 13, Orleans County
"The best part of the afterschool program I attend is how everyone is super nice and I get to say what I think about my community."
Somethings I enjoy doing outside of school is playing basketball and football or reading. I love doing these activities because it let's me use my imagination and strength to do many other things.
Yes there is! I go to a science zoom and the teacher who teaches it is really nice. I just love her personality and think she is a really funny/caring teacher.
If there was afterschool/summer program or activity that'd be brought to my community I'd probably choose a summer program for LGBTQ+ people because, to me I feel like LGBTQ+ people get a lot of hate based on their sexuality/gender. So I'd want to help by making sure people in the LGBTQ+ community will stop getting treated badly.
Being a youth in my community is fun because I get to make friends. Somethings I'd add to my community are more school work accessible for home-schoolers and more fun activities around VT for kids that shouldn't cost so much.
Some experiences that have empowered me to work towards my goal(s) is watching people take amazing photos of Earth or other people.
Somethings that make me motivated are making friends and having fun. A time I got involved in my community was on the first day of school and I didn't know ANYONE at my new school and a couple days later I asked/someone else asked for me to be their friend.
I would still continue to live in my community when I get older. I would stay because my community is full of very kind people and I love everyone in it.
Age 13, Addison County
Age 13, Addison County
"I love to fish. I love being in a boat on Lake Champlain and exploring new parts of the Lake. I love making lures and trying new fishing reels. It calms me down."
The boys and girls club has really friendly people that work there. I like hanging out with my friends after school. The activities at the club are fun especially when we can go outside. The club is right across the street from my school so its easy to get there.
I love to fish. I love being in a boat on Lake Champlain and exploring new parts of the Lake. I love making lures and trying new fishing reels. It calms me down.
For fishing my grandpa and my dad thought me how and I loved it.
Golf and fishing club.
I think they need more indoor space in the winter.
I used to do boy scouts and that did a lot of community work.
No I want to live in Panton near the lake but I would not change anything about this town.
Age 14, Chittenden County
Age 14, Chittenden County
"I wish there were more programs where professionals actually helped you decide whether or not you should go down a career by helping you explore that field."
Being able to help my community with my friends.
Reading/gaming because I think it’s fun to learn about other people’s experiences whether they’re real or not
Yes, they’re really nice and give me their advice/opinion on some things I need to make decisions on and make an effort to be there for me.
I don’t know programs outside the ones that my school offers.
I wish there were more programs where professionals actually helped you decide whether or not you should go down a career by helping you explore that field. More groups that helped our community with things like fundraising.
Seeing how my efforts help my community
In Peacejam, we held a clothing drive. It was fun to set up and to see directly how we were able to help people who needed clothes.
I don’t want to live here when I’m older. It’s not a community thing, it’s just that I like traveling and would prefer to not live in VT for the rest of my life.
Age 16, Franklin County
Age 16, Franklin County
"If people don't have a place to go or hang out, they might stay home and end up being isolated and depressed. You can get in a really bad mental state if you spend all that time alone at home in your room."
Something I enjoy doing outside of school is hanging out with my friends. They are good people to be around- they cheer you on, don't make you feel left out and you can be yourself around them. It makes me feel like I am not alone, in any situation. It would be good to have groups for support from peers and adults in our community. An opportunity to meet others with same interests, or need for additional supports.
There are not a lot of spots for teenagers to go. We either hang out in town at the bridge or at the school, walk around or go to friends houses. This is why I feel a lot of teens end up getting in trouble with police. If people don't have a place to go or hang out, they might stay home and end up being isolated and depressed. You can get in a really bad mental state if you spend all that time alone at home in your room.
I would not choose to live in my community when I get older. I feel like there needs to be more for people to do, there are a lot of drugs around and it makes most of the towns recreational areas (like fishing, parks, etc) places to avoid. There is a lot of graffiti everywhere and it looks like the town is trashy and doesn't care. The town needs to be a lot cleaner. Also, more activities for teens/young adults would make the town more welcoming.
Age 15, Chittenden County
Age 15, Chittenden County
"I go to an afterschool program that helps me with school."
To meet new friends.
Play soccer
Bike riding because it is fun.
I go to an afterschool program that helps me with school and it’s somewhere my friends go.
Playing soccer after school with my fiends makes me want to be a soccer player.
I helped shovel my neighbors driveway.
I want to stay in my community because I like the people and the programs it has.
Age 13, Windham County
Age 13, Windham County
"Universal Afterschool would mean that people with less money or lack of transportation would have a chance to try or do new things or even do more of the things they already enjoy without being excluded. It would impact people because it would allow for more life experiences and connections."
Something I really enjoy doing outside of school is the QYD [Quality Youth Development Project]. One of the reasons I love being apart of the QYD is because it gives youth a voice. Also the QYD gives youth the feeling of being in control and have power in our community. In addition, the QYD is very including and welcoming to the members and there is always a sense of belonging. These are some of many reasons I enjoy doing the QYD outside of school.
Age 12, Orange County
Age 12, Orange County
"All we do is hang out at each other's houses and play on our phones because there isn't stuff to do. I would love there to be anything to try out!"
I went to summer programs at a couple different libraries last year. I felt like the librarians and volunteers really cared about me and tried to find ways to connect to each of us. At some of the camps I didn't have as much fun because none of my friends from school were there so it was really nice to have the adults to turn to and talk with. They are still really nice to me and always check in when I visit or see them somewhere. So it's nice to know I matter.
We moved here from a big city then COVID hit so I feel like there isn't really anything. It was hard to even make friends. But now that I have all we do is hang out at each other's houses and play on our phones because there isn't stuff to do. I would love there to be anything to try out! The only things I ever see are through the libraries and I don't even know where you would find other ideas.
No I definitely wouldn't. I don't want to be mean but I just wish we wouldn't have moved here. I miss all of my old friends and family and even though I like the friends I made here I still want to go back. Where we lived there was always stuff going on and lots of places and things to do all year. Winters weren't like this. If anything I would leave and go to an even bigger city like NYC when I'm older so I can really experience everything! Living here is pretty but I feel like that's the only really good part of it!
Age 15, Addison County
Age 15, Addison County
"Bullying is a challenge that makes me want to avoid activities closely related to the school."
I don’t do any formal after school programs (or those run by the school) but I love horseback riding and pursue that on my own. It’s so special to connect with a non human animal and it’s freeing.
Along with horseback riding, I love acting. It’s a challenge to pursue in the tiny state of VT but it’s incredible to take on a role of someone else with different struggles from my own.
I’d love to see a support group type thing for people with chronic illnesses, specifically those who have been victims of medical gaslighting. I think the experiences people like me share are intense and traumatic but often overlooked.
It’s really, really hard. Aside from my twin sister, no one truly gets what I go through. I’m invalidated and judged at every turn and there’s very few if any supports in place. Schools need to do better with allowing kids without formal diagnosis to have accommodations. The barriers to reaching a diagnosis are large and include ableism and lack of parental support and we need to care for undiagnosed people like myself.
Joining a fandom has been huge for me. Interacting with like minded people is life changing and they encourage me to be truly authentic.
I recently organized an International Holocaust Remembrance Day event. I was motivated by extreme antisemitic micro aggressions in my community.
Age 18, Addison County
Age 18, Addison County
"There’s a deep rooted sense that the green mountains are my home and I will always carry them with me. This being said, without a car, this state is extraordinarily inaccessible and I can feel trapped in Vermont.."
The girls rock the capital program which was run through the Girl Scouts of the green and white mountains. I had never been a Girl Scout prior to this program, but attending it really helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life and find empowerment in a community of other young women interested in politics, policy, and social justice. Prior to the program I didn’t really see a future for a woman let alone a Queer and disabled one in politics but after seeing so many amazing women do powerful things for their communities through government I decided to pursue a career in public policy.
For me the possibility of working towards a more just sustainable future really motivates me. Of course this sounds like a grand and vague picture. As a result art particularly dance is something that grounds me in the present moment and gives me the energy to keep working. Without afterschool programs I wouldn’t have found theater or a hoop dance which have been my two main creative outlets. I’m lucky to share this with others by now leading an afterschool hula hoop dance class at my school. The energy I get from Hoop dance helped me get involved in my community in other ways to such as volunteering in the polytonal or founding sustainability a sustainability group.
Honestly I don’t know. There’s a deep rooted sense that the green mountains are my home and I will always carry them with me. This being said without a car this state is extraordinarily inaccessible and I can feel trapped in Vermont. However I do believe that I want to come back to the state later in life, I just don’t know when, but most likely when self driving cars are better public transport are available.
Age 15, Addison County
Age 15, Addison County
"Being a disabled young women, I often feel isolated and alone. More support for youth like myself to connect to others with shared identities would be really nice."
I do not attend a direct Afterschool program because there is nothing enjoyable to me offered and because of bullying and COVID (I’m at high-risk and masks are not enforced and online options are not available).
I love horseback riding because I love working with and bonding with animals and just find the sport very fun. Besides that, I also love circus and acting because I can experience different realities.
I have had the same swim coach since first grade. He has always treated me like an equal or a friend and never yelled at me or pressured me like the other coaches do at meets.
Although I understand why these programs are difficult, circus because there is NO training within about three hours of me. Also maybe cheerleading or gymnastics which aren’t offered at my school.
It can be really tough. Being a disabled young women, I often feel isolated and alone. More support for youth like myself to connect to others with shared identities would be really nice.
Seeing others like me succeed has motivated me and reminded me what I’m working towards.
Since 2016, I have woken up and seen the drastic injustices in this state and country as a whole. I want to do all I can to change that. Recently, I helped organize an International Holocaust Remembrance Day in my town to spread awareness for the Holocaust, the lack of education surrounding it, and Judaism in general.
I’m not sure. I would like to work in marine biology and there is not many opportunities here for that.
Age 17, Chittenden County
Age 17, Chittenden County
Friends.
Nature. I like to go for walks and hikes.
No.
Adventurous. Something that introduce other people cultures. Activities
Therapy help.
Being the oldest and being a refugee.
When I offered to tutor and went beach cleaning with my peers.
I will still love to live here but I would want to travel it is peaceful here.
Age 15, Addison County
Age 15, Addison County
"I have woken up and seen the drastic injustices in this state and country as a whole. I want to do all I can to change that."
I do not attend a direct Afterschool program because there is nothing enjoyable to me offered and because of bullying and COVID (I’m at high-risk and masks are not enforced and online options are not available)
I love horseback riding because I love working with and bonding with animals and just find the sport very fun. Besides that, I also love circus and acting because I can experience different realities.
I have had the same swim coach since first grade. He has always treated me like an equal or a friend and never yelled at me or pressure me like the other coaches do at meets.
Although I understand why these programs are difficult, circus because there is NO training within about three hours of me. Also maybe cheerleading or gymnastics which aren’t offered at my school.
It can be really tough. Being a disabled young women, I often feel isolated and alone. More support for youth like myself to connect to others with shared identities would be really nice.
Seeing others like me succeed has motivated me and reminded me what I’m working towards.
Since 2016, I have woken up and seen the drastic injustices in this state and country as a whole. I want to do all I can to change that. Recently, I helped organize an International Holocaust Remembrance Day in my town to spread awareness for the Holocaust, the lack of education surrounding it, and Judaism in general.
I’m not sure. I would like to work in marine biology and there is not many opportunities here for that.
