My name is Paarth, and I’m from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I have been part of Beyond Differences since the start of my sophomore year in high school, and joined because I wanted to use my experiences as a middle school student who felt socially isolated to make positive change in the world. One of the best things about the Beyond Differences National Teen Board is Activist Academy, a four-day, immersive leadership camp where we develop curriculum and share ideas and create solutions to end social isolation in schools and help students across America.
My second Activist Academy was held on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta. It was an enlightening experience that I’m so glad I got to share with my fellow changemakers from around the United States. Throughout the weekend, I met new people and formed connections with them, engaged in discussions regarding social isolation in schools, and produced tangible solutions to problems seen in the education system today with my peers. Each day, we would participate in immersive classes and sessions where we would learn how to use our backgrounds and identities to connect with students across the nation. A session I particularly enjoyed was Speak Truth to Power, where we learned about activism at its roots and how we could use our voices as youth from across the country to make change. I was able to learn so much more about my friends on the Board, and it really showed me that my input matters, and the actions I take have an impact on many people’s lives in the future.
Another amazing aspect of Activist Academy this year was that it was in Atlanta, arguably the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and the hometown of so many activists throughout history. One day, we took a field trip to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It was so powerful and truly inspiring, because it helped me understand how I am able to live in this moment, given so many people who gave their lives to fight for a more free future. It motivated me to continue my work and realize why it is so important to hear everyone’s voice.
Activist Academy has been one of the highlights of my summer, and it reminds me that the work my peers and I are doing is vital to so many middle and high school kids battling social isolation every day at their schools. I take pride in the fact that I am part of a trailblazing movement that promotes agency, cultivates youth voices, and cares about bettering young peoples’ lives each day through activism.
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The mission of Beyond Differences® is to inspire students nationwide to end social isolation and create cultures of belonging for everyone. We envision a world where all youth are accepted, valued, and included and all of our differences are celebrated. Beyond Differences® offers FREE SEL curriculum, lesson plans, supplies, and professional development training to middle school educators all across the nation.