Howard Kim, 9th Grade

Pennsylvania 

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

Bryan Stevenson, the lawyer who fought for and freed thousands of wrongly-incarcerated people, disproportionately people of color, is my biggest civic inspiration.

Why is it essential to have student-led opportunities available for students, like the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship?

Civics are the lifeblood of a democracy, and without citizens learning about it, our republic is not sustainable. Civic education is the starting point for training people to give their two cents. Students' opinions on this matter are invaluable because it will be their education and their government that take over.

What have you learned so far in your time with the Fellowship?

I learned that the requirements and funding for civic education are dramatically lower than what is required for STEM subjects.

Alani Sanchez-Flores, 11th Grade

Illinois

Why did you want to become an ECY Fellow?

After learning about the opportunity through my history teacher, I was very interested in learning how to put my civics and writing skills to work to help me create positive change. I've always been highly interested in writing, history, and government, so I applied!

How has the Fellowship impacted your growth toward being civically-engaged?

I have personally been able to recognize a lot more problems in my civics education, as well as a lot more positives! The experience I’ve gained has helped me want to be more involved in civics in my school, or even my community as a whole!

What have you learned so far in your time with the Fellowship?

I think a big issue I’ve learned about is how different school systems treat civics due to the areas they are in. Civics should never be limited to those who actively want to learn it or have the money to afford it, it should be a skill we all need to learn in order to become even better citizens!

Rowan Jackson Sanborn, 9th Grade

Maine

Why did you want to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow?

I wanted to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow so that I could learn how to make a difference in my community and be better at advocating for others. I am also very excited about learning how to be more effective at social media.

Why is it essential to have student-led opportunities available for students, like the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship?

It is important to have student-led opportunities so that we have practice for when we are older and so that we have a voice in equity. It has made me want to be more civically-engaged and stand up for what I think is right.

What have you learned so far in your time with the Fellowship?

I have realized that even though my community is pretty equitable and semi-well-funded, other communities aren’t, and I want to help change that.

Tiffany Peck, 12th Grade

Colorado

How did meeting Fellows from across the country help develop your perspective?

Meeting Fellows from across the country helped me develop my perspective because I was introduced to students from different environments. I get to see how those with opposing views stay reasonable and continue to have an open conversation on matters pertaining to civics.

Why is it essential to have student-led opportunities available for students, like the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship?

It is important to have student-led opportunities, like ECYF, because I believe that they give younger individuals a chance to take on leadership roles. This experience helps them become more confident with their peers. It paves the way for them to grow as individuals, grow their skills, and develop new ones.

How can students, teachers, and others support your Fellowship?

I'm a naturally independent individual, and I'm not too fond of speaking with others. I think just being a part of the ECYF is helping me be more confident about sharing my ideas, and it's allowing me to take a step out of my shell.

Kimtee Kundu, 12th Grade

California

Why did you want to become an ECY Fellow?

As an immigrant, I saw how the educational systems differed greatly in Bangladesh and the U.S. In America, there are more resources and equality for female-identifying children in education; however, disparities still remain. I want to help mitigate the impacts of such disparities by implementing equitable solutions, so when I heard about the ECYF program, I knew I had to apply.

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

My biggest civic inspiration is Sojourner Truth. Her poetry inspires me in many ways, especially through her advocacy for abolition and women's rights.

What have you learned so far in your time with the Fellowship?

So far, I have noticed the lack of civic engagement clubs and classes offered at high schools. Although there are many of these opportunities in my Los Angeles community, other places do not provide students with the same.

See the full list of Fellows

Through the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship, the perspectives of high school students throughout the country contribute to the public conversation about civic education in the United States. Each contributor represents their own opinion. We welcome this diversity of perspectives.