Growing up as a student in Iowa, I used to believe the stereotypes about this midwestern state—that I'd have to move away to a big city, full of life and opportunity, if I ever wanted to make a difference in the world. As it turns out, Iowa made a difference in me through its institutions and opportunities.
Starting in middle school, the experiences that I had in class were along the lines of "listen, learn, repeat." I found little room for innovation outside of the curriculum that teachers taught. Students and teachers alike were forced to follow the state code to the detriment of their creativity and inspiration. My friends and I trudged along, following directions and fitting into the standards a student was supposed to hold.
Now, as a junior in high school, I've questioned the rules so much that they hold little meaning. Instead of sticking to an assignment, I ask teachers how we could personalize it to create work that students can enjoy and feel proud of. I suggest andimplement opportunities for class field trips, setting up dates, times, and the event processes. I'm lucky that my teachers are generally receptive to my input and help. They find value in my voice.
I didn't do these things a year ago. A year ago, I sat with my friends, studying, complaining about assignments, and planning for my future. The difference between now and then is that by using the institutions that were only available to me in Iowa, I saw the possibilities for change. Through these conduits for education, I found my voice.
This past summer, my academic advisor recommended that I go to a forum on student voice hosted by Student Voice and the Iowa Student Learning Institute, both nonprofit organizations led by students, for students. I went alone, anticipating a large crowd that I'd be able to blend in with. What I found was about 12 adults (who fulfill an advisory capacity to the student-led orgs) sitting in a circle in business casual clothing, eagerly waiting to hear my perspective.
The engagement I experienced that day about the power of student perspective absolutely blew my mind. These were educators, nonprofit workers, and even a state representative, listening to my ideas about how to get students more involved in their communities. For example, I suggested finding ways to remove barriers for outside organizations wanting to partner with students. Rather than insulate students from new opportunities that aren't already offered at the school, we began working toward creating more access to outside partnerships in the school setting. From that day on, I've been plugged into the student voice movement, dedicated to giving other students the same experience I had.
I've already seen this change in my school. I got my friends to attend forums, talked with teachers about student voice, listened to the opinions of educators around my community, and shared the resources I've come across along the way. I've given the students in my school new opportunities to join organizations and to speak publicly. Whenever I see an opportunity that could affect someone's perspective on their own abilities, I make sure they know about it. I invite my peers to come to Iowa Student Learning Institute's Rise conference to speak out about issues important to them, for example. These events, in turn, have a catalyzing effect. One of my peers became so involved at Rise that we offered her a position on our student team.
Still, I'm only one person; I can only influence so many people in my community. While I'm able to help my own peers, countless other students around the nation are doing the same thing with theirs. What we need are more educators to join in and support the student voice movement. If my advisor hadn't told me about that forum, I wouldn't be writing this piece today. An educator holds the power to change students' perspectives and steer them into different paths of life. Empower students to use their voice, inspire them to realize their power to create change, and, above all, listen to them and their ideas.