Allowing students the freedom to be themselves in school is essential. Sometimes a student can be bullied and socially isolated in school for expressing themselves. As an adoptee and as a queer youth, I’ve seen the repercussions of self-expression in the classroom firsthand. Fostering...
The pandemic fueled a rise in xenophobia towards the AAPI community. Every day, more news covered stories about verbal and physical assaults. As a Teen Board member of Beyond Differences, I heard about an opportunity to share my story at a rally to bring awareness to this issue and elevate youth...
“He yelled hate at me and my grandma and no one did anything. I have to ride that bus tomorrow. My mom tells me to be safe, but how am I supposed to NOT be Asian?” The young man’s tearful rage made the Zoom classroom fall silent. As I looked out at my students, every single one was looking away...
Guest Author: Lucy HaysBeyond Differences Teen Board Member Every day in middle school I would eat lunch with my group of friends. In the earlier, sunnier part of the school year, we would eat in the courtyard. One day, I was sitting with our other friends, eating my sandwich. However, two of our...
Guest Author: Danika Clifford Beyond Differences Teen Board Leader Have you ever noticed how many kids sit alone at lunch or walk by themselves between classes, while other groups of kids happily walk around flaunting their connections and friendships? Why do kids feel compelled to ignore others...