Our Students’ Voices
Intern Blog
Our interns’ first-hand accounts of the issues public school students face today. This space is for students’ voices, personal experiences, and grievances about the public school system to be heard. Read their takes on class sizes, teacher diversity, mental health programs and so much more!
Why I Want to Be a High School Teacher
Esther describes her path toward deciding why she wants to be a high school teacher in the future. Read more to learn why she thinks it’s so important!
Toxic Competition in California Education
Read more to learn about Esther’s firsthand experiences with the unhealthy pressure and competition in our education system, especially from high school to college.
POV: The California Student Housing Crisis
Read more to learn about Tania’s experience and thoughts on the pressing issue of the California Student Housing Crisis.
Why Do I Care About Politics As A Young Person?
Read more to learn about why Tania is engaged in politics as is urging young people to do the same.
Let’s Celebrate: CSU System Says Goodbye to SAT/ACT Requirements
Read more to learn about why Tania is celebrating the news that the CSU system got rid of SAT/ACT requirements.
Teaching Online During the Pandemic
Read more to learn about Esther’s firsthand experiences with helping teachers during the height of the pandemic.
CA Community College Students Need More Support
Read more to learn about Tania’s thought on how debt is disproportionately affecting low-income community college students attempting to pursue their education.
Troubles in Guidance Counseling
Read more to learn about Esther’s experience with a lack of access and diversity in guidance counseling throughout her high school years.
Mental Health in Middle School
Read more to learn about Reva’s experience working in a California middle school, and how she believes we must help our struggling students “return to normal” after the pandemic.
An Underfunded Mock Trial Team
Read more to learn about Tania’s experience with the lack of funding for her high school Mock Trial Team.
More Funding Needed for ESL Learners
Read more to learn about Esther’s experience with the lack of support for ESL programs in public schools.
How have school buses or lack thereof affected me in high school?
Read more to learn about Tania’s experience with the lack of school bus access during her time in high school.
Arts Education within Public Schools
Read more to learn about Jamyeʻs art education experience within her public school.
The Importance of Engaging in Local Politics: A Hawaiʻi Perspective
Read here to learn about why Jamye believes young people should be engaged in their local politics by relating it to her experience in Hawaiʻi
Just Act! Youth Apathy Cannot Continue.
Read more about why Caillou sees it as critical that young people become engaged in local politics.
Mental Health Services in Public Schools
Read about Jamye’s excitement on seeing mental health services implemented into our public schools when our education system is fully funded.
California Schools Need College and Career Services
Read more about why Caillou believes college and career centers are a vital resource for every student.
Civic Engagement Is Learned, So Why Aren’t All Schools Teaching It
Read more about why Caillou thinks a well-funded civics class is so important to encourage political engagement in kids’ futures.
The Influence of the Amazing Mrs. Napier
Read about Jamye’s favorite public school teacher who influenced her life back then and till today.
Extracurriculars are No Longer Extra
In today’s competitive environment, it is not enough for students to have an amazing report card. Extracurriculars are now a requirement for college applications. Read about why we need to start funding extracurricular activities.