Tianna Hunt, 12th Grade

Maryland

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

I did not know much about the topic of civic education, and I felt it would be interesting to apply and learn more. I am very excited to see what change we can all create together. The mission of iCivics is very inspiring, and, as a Fellow, I want to use the resources provided to help my community.

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

Meeting Fellows from across the nation gave me a bit of culture shock. I moved to the U.S. in 2020, and I learned about different states through the other Fellows. I have learned about the interesting traditions in certain cities and marveled at my peers' accents. This showed me how different yet connected we all were.

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

The Fellowship has made me more aware of the different advantages and disadvantages that others experience. For example, since my school has two classes on government, I assumed that every school had the same. However, since working with other Fellows, I have learned that many have never experienced a government class before. This has inspired me to be grateful for the resources my school has provided and explore ways to help others gain similar experiences.

Jemieka Findlay, 12th Grade

New York

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

I wanted to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow to make a difference in my community and neighboring communities. I want to gain as many skills as possible to do this.

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

My biggest civic inspiration is my history teacher.

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 because our generation can create leaders. To do this, we need to be knowledgeable not only in core subjects taught in schools, but we need to understand world issues and the issues in our country.

Tasneem Ghadiali, 10th Grade

Massachusetts

What are you most excited about with this Fellowship?

This Fellowship is an opportunity to create change by being more educated about issues in civic education. With this knowledge, I hope to have the toolset to make further change by interacting with legislators and school departments, even once the Fellowship has ended.

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

I don't really have a specific civic inspiration. My inspiration comes from various activists who dedicate their lives to fighting for equitable access to civic participation. I admire people who have the compassion to continue to fight even when it's an uphill battle. I hope to embody that courage and hope in my life, as well.

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

By hearing diverse voices and perspectives, I have been exposed to viewpoints I would never have had a chance to listen to otherwise. It has made me more aware of issues in areas I would never have considered. Thus, I feel more prepared to fight for equity by interacting with others since I have a nuanced understanding of everyone's struggles.

Brendan Kaminski, 10th Grade

New York

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

I have always had a passion for Social Studies and wanted to explore that passion even further through this program.

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

It is vital to get students, and, more generally, young people involved in opportunities like the Equity in Civics Youth Fellowship. Our generation is the future of this country, making it imperative that students are exposed to a climate where they feel like empowered citizens who have a voice and can make a change.

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

Students can support this Fellowship by engaging in civic activities, and educators can support this Fellowship by incorporating more opportunities for civic learning in school curriculum. It will take a group effort to make civic education more prominent in schools.

Sean Shelbrock, 12th Grade

Michigan

What are you most excited about with this Fellowship?

I'm really looking forward to getting to know other passionate students and uncovering new opportunities to make a difference in our communities. I believe we, as young people, hold the key to what the future looks like. We just need to equip each other with the necessary tools to accomplish it.

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

Two great examples are Senator Bernie Sanders supporting marriage equality in 1983 and Representative Barbara Lee's lone vote against the Afghanistan War. I find inspiration in the leaders who fight for what's right, even in the face of criticism, even when they stand alone.

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

Whether in conversation with friends or speaking with school administration about student resources, the Fellowship has served as an inspiration and a bridge to these conversations and becoming the impact you want to see in your community.

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.