Getting involved in high school is very important to me. Getting involved isn’t just about filling my schedule with activities; it’s about actively shaping the environment that I am part of. Being the change begins with me stepping out of my comfort zone and engaging with the community around me. Whether it’s joining a club, participating in community service, or taking on leadership roles, these experiences open doors to new perspectives, friendships, and a deeper understanding of our world. By getting involved, I have helped to contribute positively transformation of BCS. I realize that our voice matters and that our actions count. So embrace the opportunities to be a changemaker – be the change you wish to see.
This belief led me to apply to be a member of the EL Education Student Advisory Council (SAC). It was an opportunity for me to expand and grow, meeting new people from all around. By being on this council, I have noticed that I have more to give to my community than I previously thought. I have been a member of the SAC for eight months now. My tenure will end in June of 2025. There are twelve of us in total from all over the country. Some from the West Coast and some from the East Coast. We meet on the fourth Monday of each month for an hour and a half, to talk about ways to make the world a better place. We learn together to build community and crew, whether through Better World Day or preparing for the annual EL National Conference, which will be held in Denver, Colorado this year from Thursday, November 30th to Saturday, December 2nd. SAC will host 5 workshops and panels at the National Conference. During the Conference, I will present a panel called “The Power of Storytelling,” along with two other SAC members, where we will explore different motivations and creative processes to create a story and experience the power of holding the stories of another. I will share a poem about myself that I wrote titled, “Reality and Me.” This poem highlights parts of my life through metaphors and symbolism, to influence others on the power storytelling has on all of us. Whether told verbally or on paper, stories hold the power for everyone to understand each other because everyone has a story. Whether big or small, detailed or not, a story still exists and is able to be told and passed on to others. 
I think it is important for students to get involved in something similar to the SAC. This will allow you to discover new things about yourself. When students start exploring new opportunities, they start to learn that change is within themselves and if they want to see change, they have to step up and be that change. Throughout my time with EL Education, I have grown in many different ways. I have always taken on many leadership roles, but one thing that has really changed during those last few months would have to be my confidence in talking in front of a large crowd of people. I have always been a very shy and reserved person who never liked speaking in front of people. However, my experience with EL Education has strengthened my confidence levels to new heights. During the National Conference, I expect to speak in front of a thousand people who I know nothing about. I do have some nervousness, but being a member of the SAC has really helped me prepare for not only this speaking opportunity but the ones that are to come after the National Conference. The SAC has really been a place for me to grow and see the new horizons that await in my future.
