Voices of Youth

Voices of Youth: The pros and cons of high school sports

High school sports can boost teens' confidence, mental health, and academic drive — but also bring challenges like time pressure and self-comparison. Students and educators at Loy Norrix High School share candid insights into the rewards and struggles of being a student-athlete.

Voices of Youth: What grows in a milpa? For these teens, identity and connection

“The milpa is something that literally grounds us as an organization, as we learn and unlearn the ways colonization has tried to disconnect us from our traditions, cultural foods, and ways of surviving; we can use this and apply it to many things like language, art, and history.”

Voices of Youth: ¿Qué crece en la milpa? Para estos jovenes, identidad y conexión

“La milpa es algo que literalmente nos arraiga como organización, mientras aprendemos y desaprendemos las formas en que la colonización ha tratado de desconectarnos de nuestras tradiciones, alimentos culturales y formas de sobrevivir; podemos usar esto y aplicarlo a muchas cosas como el lenguaje, el arte y la historia.”

Voices of Youth: Shaped by the scroll — when likes define life

Social media plays a powerful role in the lives of teens, shaping their self-image, communication habits, and daily routines. While students recognize both the positive and negative impacts, many admit that constant exposure to online content affects how they see themselves and interact with the world.

Voices of Youth: Death of transgender man Sam Nordquist raises concern for safety of trans youth

The recent death of Sam Nordquist, a transgender 24-year-old, has called attention to a rise in violence and discrimination against transgender youth.  Many are addressing this issue, but also say much still needs to be done to protect trans youth.

Voices of Youth: How teens can help friends in crisis

A Voices of Youth writer delves into how teens can best help comfort friends in crisis. Experts stress the importance of sincere support, open dialogue, and knowing when to guide someone toward professionals.

Voices of Youth: Inside KRESA’s Career Connect Campus — a new era for career education

Voices of Youth's Braylon Youker gets a firsthand look inside KRESA's $100 million state-of-the-art Career Connect Campus. "I can’t wait to see [the students’] eyes light up," says Eric Stewart, Asst. Superintendent. "We’ve built this for them.”

Voices of Youth Commentary: How social media shapes and divides progressive politics

This Voices of Youth commentary looks at how social media is fueling divides within the Democratic Party and argues that progressives can find strength in their differences by focusing on shared values and community-based action.

Voices of Youth: Racism is a hard lesson for young people in high school

This Voices of Youth story focuses on teenagers' experiences with racism in their schools, describing the casual use of slurs and stereotypes as both painful and normalized among peers trying to fit in. While some youth express hope for change, others feel racism has become more insidious and less overt.

Voices of Youth: Burnout in high school can happen, but you’re not alone

High school burnout goes beyond stress, driven by academic pressure and personal struggles. Support from teachers and the community can make a crucial difference.

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