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!
Bursting My Bubble
It’s always amazing when students get to have experiences outside of their usual limited resources in their schools. However, it’s heartbreaking when they realize how little they have in comparison to others.
From One Public School to Another
Education is a right! And we need to provide equitable resources for ALL our kids! Read Arin’s experiences jumping from an underfunded school to a more affluent neighborhood’s school.
The Struggle for Amplifying Student’s Voices in Public Schools
Sarah exposes the risk teachers face when speaking up for students' concerns, which are often disregarded by the administration. She emphasizes students should never be silenced in an education system that should empower their voices.
The Plague of the School to Prison Pipeline
As a high school student, Neftaly witnessed first hand how her peers suffered from being kicked out of school. Disappointed to find out her own district was involved in legal battles from racially disproportionate suspensions, she hopes to inform others on how we can prevent this injustice.
Toxic Charter Schools
Charter schools advertise themselves as better equipped to serve the needs of students — but what students are they actually allowing in their doors? Read about Jules experience dealing with the impact of having charter schools in her community!
Transportation is Vital for Education!
Without adequate transportation to school, students cannot succeed. Read about Jules experience in her underfunded school district and how it impacted transportation!
Why Recognizing Marginalized Communities is Necessary in Education
As a former Visalia United School District student, Neftaly was ecstatic to see the district supporting queer students during PRIDE month. But they know it isn’t enough!
The Impact of Overcrowded Classrooms on Learning and Student Engagement
Overcrowding is unfair to both students and teachers. But its impact goes far beyond close quartered seats. Read how overcrowding in classes negatively shaped Sarah’s high school experience.
How Neglecting Education Harms Students and Teachers
Instead of our public schools encouraging our kids to go into higher education, the under-resourced schools are doing the exact opposite: actively discouraging them. This was Sarah’s experience. Read on to learn how our public schools are failing our kids.
Education Funding for Our Future
Coming from Central Valley public schools, Neftaly was always aware of how under-resourced their schools were in comparison to the richer parts of California. This all came to a head when she went to college at UC Berkeley.
Wellness = Success
Experiencing both underfunded and well-funded schools, Jules had a personal look at how we leave many of our students behind. Read more about Jules’ experience!
Listen up UC’s: Evictions, Higher Rent, and Supporting Blackstone is NOT the answer!
Ciara knows the struggles of being a student who is in constant struggle for housing. UC Berkeley must divest from investing in Blackstone and turn to supporting their students instead.
From Sponge to Critical Thinker: The Role of Teachers in Shaping Students Political Views
Tran knows that teachers have a big impact on students, so it is especially important to have diversity in the classroom!
Why Extracurriculars Help Students Feel Less “Lost”
Read why Ciara wishes her school had more extracurriculars!
Living in the Shadow of the Happiest Place on Earth
Tran explains how her close proximity to the wealth and prosperity of Disneyland doesn’t directly translate to a similar state of well-being for the communities surrounding it
College Counselors for Kids
Ciara explains how a single high school counselor assigned to her whole school is detrimental to student success
A Call for Equitable Funding and Systemic Change
Tran explains how she came to realize how severe the educational inequity in California is after examining her own high school experience; one marked by counselor shortages and a toxic learning environment.
The Shortage of Fundamental Academic Needs
Ciara explains how her underfunding in her charter school forced families and students to beg for donations - and were left with staffing shortages and limited resources.
Youth Engagement in Politics is Necessary
Tania explains why youth engagement in politics is necessary and the strides that youth engagement can make in the political sphere no matter how small.
Music Is Essential!
Daisy tells her story of being a musician at a school that did not have a music program.