Elfin Wiriyan, 11th Grade

Wisconsin

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

The idea of equitable education is really important to me, especially in civics. Not all students get the opportunity to learn about civics and what it means to be a citizen, and I wanted to learn how to make a difference.

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

Meeting all the Fellows definitely opened my eyes to what civic education is like all around the country. I get to expand on what I already know about civic education through first-hand accounts from other students.

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

The Fellowship has shown me what could be possible if everyone is civically-engaged. It was refreshing and pleasantly surprising to be able to talk to other people who were just as civically-engaged as I am, and it motivated me to expand my civic knowledge.

Diamond Moore, 11th Grade

North Carolina

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

Civic education is something that I never put much thought into until I noticed that it was not available in many places around the United States. After doing some research, I knew I needed to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow to expand my knowledge on the topic and become a better advocate for civic education.

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

My biggest civic inspiration is my mentor, Dr. Barbara Lee. She is an African American woman who runs her own business and is active in her community. She is deeply involved in the school system as the Career and Technical Education Director. Beyond that, she makes sure to leave her print on every student she crosses, encouraging them to be involved, as well.

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

Students, teachers, and others can become more aware of the importance of civic education and support the movement toward better civic education in their community and country.

Stella Haag, 9th Grade

Idaho

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

I wanted to become an Equity in Civics Youth Fellow because my hometown, Sandpoint, Idaho, and high school haven't provided many civic opportunities. I honestly felt like I was missing out on a valuable part of my education because of it. I am an extremely opinionated person, especially in civics, and have always wanted an outlet to have my voice heard. Becoming a part of ECYF has been perfect!

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

I have so many! I would say any of the women who fought for women's rights so I could have all the opportunities I do now!

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

I realized I am in a similar boat as many others regarding civic education, as I don't get a lot. It also made me realize that there is a HUGE gap when it comes to rural versus urban areas.

Elena Correa, 11th Grade

Nebraska

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

Meeting with professionals in press, history, and other fields has made me feel like my voice has a bigger impact than before. I know there are adults who see the same issues and care about what I have to say. They want to help me get involved. That’s really empowering, and it makes me want to do more work because my impact feels tangible.

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

It’s easy for young people to feel helpless in their circumstances, which breeds indifference. The U.S. needs to represent the ideals of new generations, new voters, and the working class. Our democracy fails when young people lose faith in their voices. We need student-led opportunities to encourage young people that their opinions matter and preserve our democracy.

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

Expose students to opportunities via digital learning and in classrooms. Like me, students usually don’t have access to resources they can get involved in otherwise. I never would’ve known about the Fellowship and been able to join without my AP Human Geography teacher letting me know I could apply.

Joshua Adegoke, 11th Grade

Texas

What are you most excited about with this Fellowship?

I am most excited about the Fellowship providing me the opportunity to meet a plethora of individuals to discuss a multitude of civic education issues that each state is experiencing.

Who is your biggest civic inspiration?

My biggest civic inspiration is the work done by our district officials to increase representation for minority students and student-led organizations and movements, such as March for Our Lives (the student-led protest against gun violence with marches happening worldwide).

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

My time in the Fellowship has shown the dire need for civic education at all levels due to the rampant inequality that we see in society today. Freedoms we now take for granted were often at one time viewed as threatening or even criminal by the past power structure.

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.