Stephany Barahona

So I'll start from from the parent perspective and how I see it as a parent, it's so important that our students and also if we have our own children, I feel like it's so important as a parent that our students not just have a parent to be there for them, but also have other adults that they can count on and having the expanded learning opportunity programs in our school districts, helps like bridge that. And the relationships that our students then are able to build with those teachers and district leaders is just so beautiful to see because I've had students and even my own daughter. I've had students tell me how impactful those teachers and district leaders have been for them. 

And when you hear that it's not just the parent, but other people doing that work for the student. I mean, you can't.. How beautiful is that and powerful? 

Then seeing it from a person who works with youth, I think it's it's also great to see how students that oftentimes don't get to feel seen or heard are then able to say, well, I feel empowered now. You have spent maybe more than 10 hours with me or have spent a whole academic year with me learning different, you know, things outside of school that, you know, empower them to become their true selves and also find their identity. And then at the same time, you know, again, build this relationship that will last a lifetime. 

And for me, as a program coordinator, running like an afters school program that is meant to empower youth, seeing that and being a part of that is also such a beautiful thing to see because, you know, it reminds me of how much I would have loved to have had an adult that really, you cared about me and how hard it is to sometimes find that safe adult that will be there for you. Especially when you're a teenager going through so many different hormonot changesanges not to mention, you know, if you have a household that's full of that dysfunction, that just brings in in another layer. And having that safe place for the youth where they feel like I can be here and I can forget about what's going on at home and just be here with someone that cares for me. 

That to me also helps me see like I'm actually doing, making a difference for this student or students.