With our country’s current political climate, it is no surprise that students are worried: important policies like Roe v. Wade have been overturned, and the incoming Trump administration’s plans for immigration and climate are leaving many feeling concerned. Though we can be disheartened or even afraid, we cannot give up. Boston Latin School science teacher Mr. Jesse Southwick remarks, “The United States has a long history of messing up things and finding ways to still make the future move forward. Sometimes it’s three steps forward, then two steps back.” There is so much we can do as youth to continue fighting, especially at the local level, where change begins.
First, educate yourself. Staying well-informed is the first step towards taking action. One way you can do that is by taking courses that discuss history and human rights, such as Facing History and Ourselves. Khaya Dryden-Peterson (I) comments, “It’s a hard class. [We learn] about genocides all around the world and how they came to be, and the persecution of people and what leads to it. But we also spend time learning about hope.” The opportunity to reflect on how humanity has moved past atrocities before and how that can be a guide for the present and the future is precious — if you are a rising junior or senior, it is definitely a course worth taking.
You do not, however, need to take a specific class to learn about history and politics: self-education can become part of your daily routine in smaller ways. Having a fully formed opinion is important, but you must also take the time to consider the views of those around you. Dryden-Peterson suggests, “You can decide that you’re going to read the news from three different news sources every day to get varied perspectives. Actively talk to classmates who have different opinions than yours, or ask a teacher after class about an idea they mentioned.” After all, the construction of a future where all voices are heard is crucial for a successful democracy.
Second, seek public service opportunities. The BLS website is an excellent resource for finding different programs to apply for. For example, the Ward Public Service Fellowship allows you to be in the very offices that make decisions for all of Boston and to learn more about public service and how the government works. Whatever you’re passionate about — law, education, healthcare, or non-profit work — there are internships that await your application. Mr. Southwick adds, “Young people are at this point of making decisions about where they’re going to direct their lives, what they want to work on and what kind of engaged citizens they’re going to be.”
For students who decide to take Facing History and Ourselves their junior year, the Seevak Human Rights and Social Justice Fellowship is also a potential opportunity for the following summer. Dryden-Peterson reflects on her own experience with this program: “[As] a Seevak fellow, […] you end up being placed with an organization in Boston doing some sort of human rights or justice work. I worked at the Women’s Lunch Place […] and it’s transformed the way I see everything; it’s infused itself into so much of the work that I am doing this year.” Being part of such esteemed fellowships allows members to advocate for what they care deeply about and receive funding to support these efforts.
Third, be active in your community. BLS has many clubs advocating for different human rights causes and celebrating different identities. Clubs like Gender-Sexuality Alliance and Amnesty International strive to educate our community on human rights topics through its advocacy and collaboration while still having fun. Fellowships like the Sid Topol Fellowship for Peace and Nonviolence run projects promoting peace and justice on issues ranging from landmines to migration and host many events for all students to get involved with nonviolence advocacy.
No matter what happens in the world around us, good or bad, we must keep pushing towards progress and maintain a positive attitude. BLS history teacher Mr. Dominic Rinaldi leaves students with this message: “The only real way to lift each other up is to just be kind to each other. Don’t be afraid to discuss important topics, but do so with tact, do so intellectually, and don’t outright attack. Many folks do not have malice in them, they just hold opinions that they have been conditioned to hold. Many of us are open to change and just need the proper environment. An environment that looks to shame and accuse first is not an environment that is honest and open and seeking to evolve.”