Developing individual relationships is important to me, as well as working to save lives. Thus, I am drawn to support animal rights and activism so everyone can live safe, happy, and free. A highlight of my activism this past year was when I participated in a community forum, and especially, a day’s-worth of powerful demonstrations showing that animal rights is a serious issue deserving of attention. In May (during the Memorial Day weekend) I attended the Direct Action Everywhere ...

My teachers have guided me in becoming less shy and more outspoken over the years. I express myself more when I work with others to learn about the world. When I was seven, my parents divorced. It was a struggle to bottle up my feelings, and I am still learning to open them again. It was my school community that helped me through that period. School is a haven: a safe, stable and supportive environment for me to explore and...