READ Teen Leader Essays

The following piece was published under the title “When ‘do the right thing’ means taking to the streets” on June 22, 2020 by the Chalkbeat Student Takeover: a weeklong project meant to elevate the voices of students at this pivotal moment in America.

The night of June 1, New York City sent a text message to residents. A curfew was starting at 11 p.m. We were on our phones at the time, so we were the first to see the message in our household of six: the two of us, our two sisters, and our mother and father. Honestly, we were scared. We knew protests had been going on all around the country and curfews were in place in other cities. But New York? We were shocked.

After curfew began, we were taking out the trash and noticed that no one was outside. It was as if the city was sleeping. We noticed several cop cars moving slowly down our Harlem street, as if they were looking for people outside. This made us nervous. We realized the trust between us and cops is so very thin.

The fact that a Black person has to die in order for people to hear our voices is disturbing. We are scared because we are Black males in a country where being a Black male and getting killed by cops isn’t rare. Or, if we are not getting shot by police, we are being brutalized in other ways — by racial slurs and by systems we have no control over.

This is America.

A week later, our dad asked if we wanted to go to a protest in our neighborhood, Harlem. We were anxious and thought, what if something goes wrong? What if a riot breaks out? What if our family gets hurt in the process? And then we remembered that we’re all here for the same reason, to have police and the general community acknowledge injustices and police brutality against Black people. It’s an issue we can change.

We decided to make a protest sign out of an old cardboard box and thought about what we should write. Then it came to us: FIGHT THE POWER in big black letters. It’s a Public Enemy song we heard last summer in Brooklyn at Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” block party. We thought of political injustice in America and the police systems that are set up against Black boys like us.

When we neared the protest, we were shocked because the crowd was massive. There was a speaker, and people were chanting What’s his name? George Floyd. What’s her name? Breonna Taylor. Honestly, we were a little nervous being in such a big crowd because of the risk of COVID-19 transmission and because of possible police violence. It took a while, but then we started chanting, too. We felt like we were part of something that was changing people’s perspectives.

We were so energized by the time we returned home. Our dad asked us what we want to see happen in the future. One of our sisters said she wanted to see a change in our laws so that cops can’t avoid being held accountable for their actions. To us and to all of the people protesting, this was our goal. And if we could tell our teachers, classmates, the community, and political leaders just one thing, it would be that Black lives matter.

Twin brothers Hunter and Hudson Russell-Horton, age 15, are ninth graders at West End Secondary School in New York City. They also serve as Teen Leaders with Read Alliance, tutoring first-grade students in reading. They thank their mother for inspiring them to write every day.

The following piece was published as “A New York City Student’s Open Letter to the Public” by The Education Trust-New York

Dear Public,

As we all know, in today’s society, we as a nation are going through hardships. Together we are facing a global crisis. But it’s more than just that. What is it, you question? Glad you asked. Not only is it a global crisis, but it’s a human, economic, and social catastrophe. This sudden outbreak affects the structure of our population tremendously. As a student and teenager, I am a victim of COVID-19. You may wonder, what have I noticed most since this epidemic has impacted my normal program? Great question.

I’m currently a senior in high school. As a future graduate, my fellow classmates and I began the year with a dream. Performances, senior pictures, class rings, even ordering caps and gowns – we had plans, whether it was to go to prom or to walk across the stage to receive our diploma. All of the events that define our senior year are gone because of a new virus that no one saw coming. Graduates have been robbed this year. Something that kept us persevering and determined has been swiftly removed from our hands. We invested countless hours, blood, sweat, and tears into this year. Our lives have made a complete 180 in the last seven weeks. Our assignments have been moved online, and the interruptions caused by being in lockdown have made matters worse. Students have been affected, and it’s unfair, but we can’t do anything about it right now. I’m proud of myself nonetheless.

For the past three years, I’ve juggled my life, being a high school student and a college student at once. I’m a 17-year-old who was blessed to pursue an associate’s degree while getting my high school diploma, and for many reasons this school year has been stressful. The structure of our learning vanished with the blink of an eye. Classes became virtual, and in-person classes became unknown to mankind. I’ve faced technical challenges, limitations in feedback, and disconnection – with no engagement or interaction. The biggest obstacle was becoming used to the isolation. At least I can continue my education. I fear that the recent changes will be a roadblock in my preparedness for my freshman year of college, yet I believe it will become a motivation to see things through to the end.

Though this year, I won’t be able to wear my cap and gown and indulge in the experiences previous graduating classes have had, I am pleased and amazed at myself. I’m excited to attend Hunter College in September and know that what’s most important is that we’re here today. 2020 has started off as an unexpected year that no one ever wished for, but only we make light out of this situation and keep moving forward. Remember that even as we fight this pandemic, and we witness the deaths that are happening, all is not lost and no one’s losses count less. We matter. And now, seeing how this year has turned out, I realize that my classmates and I can withstand this challenge.

The following piece was published as "Pandemic Forces NYC Teen to Alter Plans For the Future" by The Education Trust-New York

Johanna Guity
Student at Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School
Teen Leader at P.S. 202K

You would think that the first time you hear about COVID-19 it wouldn’t be so much of a big deal. Being a 12th grade senior was supposed to be the most exciting year of my high school life. I never would’ve thought COVID-19 would impact my future, going out of state for college, working, and going to church. So many things are different due to the virus.  

Growing up, I always wanted to be my own person and be an “independent woman.” I wanted to do my own thing and do it the right way. When COVID-19 came about and all the schools were cancelled until September, I was upset. I was furious because I worked so hard for graduation and looked forward to going to prom. My heart shattered because this also meant that I‘m not able to go away for college. I can’t go away because my parents aren’t working anymore, so no deposit for school, and no shopping for things I need. I didn’t even know the process for committing out of state nor did I see my doctor to get a checkup or dentist, no car or driver’s license. Everything is closed and there is nothing I can do to change that.  

It took a while for me to adjust to the new decision I made because I was ready to start a new life. One thing this pandemic has taught me is to always have a plan b in anything you do. In all honesty I am glad that I made the decision to stay in New York and attend Borough of Manhattan Community College. My family has supported me through this crazy journey. My sister convinced me to do the two years and graduate with an Associate’s degree. Things haven’t been easy, but I know God will help me and we will get through this pandemic.  

One way I envision my future as a college student is a lot of stress, sweat, and tears. Nothing in life will be handed to me. Everything is to be earned the hard way. That is something everyone needs to understand. I always envision myself as a good leader to young ones so I see my future as an early childhood teacher. I see myself helping students with their homework and classwork. I love helping kids with whatever they may, need and supporting them to have a better understanding of life.  

The following essays from Kimberly Quiroga and Sana Qaiser were written in response to a scholarship opportunity from the Meringoff Family Foundation. Both were awarded a scholarship.

Kimberly Quiroga, Student at The Young Women’s Leadership School, East Harlem
Senior Teen Leader at P.S. 180M

In 11th grade I began my journey with Read Alliance and like usual, I had no idea what it would be like to work for them. I did not know what I had signed up for. The day of training was definitely not what I had expected. The teachers of my site were very welcoming and showed so much enthusiasm towards the returning and new tutors. I never imagined how much patience and integrity is put towards the children in the Read Alliance program. The first day of the program was filled with nothing but excitement but it was nerve racking at the same time. It had been a long time since I stepped foot in an elementary school classroom that the environment felt very calming. The day I met the little girl I would be helping out was the best day ever. We instantly made a connection and bonded very well. From that day forward, she became like a little sister to me and we practically became friends. Every day of the program she came in ready to read and never hesitated to learn word pronunciations with me. With the help of M.O.Y she became a fast learner and kept advancing in her reading. As the weeks went by all the students kept making improvements and learned multiple reading and comprehension skills.

Towards the end of my first year in Read Alliance, I noticed a change in my character. I became more responsible with myself and the way I handle tasks. I was able to make engaging connections with all the kids in the program. The connection with the tutors was like a strong forcefield. One of the most important skills was learning how to be friendly while also being stern so that the students would stay on task and be productive. So much happens in so little time in a Read Alliance classroom. Working at a fast pace was a new skill for me. 

With all the wonderful experiences READ taught me, I knew I wanted to continue with Read Alliance and help the kids in the program increase their reading and comprehension skills. That’s why at the beginning of my senior year I couldn’t wait to apply again to the program. During my first year, I rediscovered my interests for early childhood education and knew it was a career I wanted to pursue. Applying to Read Alliance again would boost my hands on experience with teaching little kids. When I reapplied to Read I never imagined I would be given a chance to be a Senior Teen Leader at the same site I worked previously. Although I knew I would not be helping the kids one on one as much as I would like to, the Senior Teen Leader role gave me the chance to prove to myself that I can handle the responsibility of guiding other Teen Leaders as they help the young students. There were many new tutors and children in this year's program and with the knowledge I have from being in READ last year, I was able to help the Teen Leaders make the right choices when helping the kids with their reading skills. As a Senior Teen Leader, I gained the trust of all the students and have made small bonds with each of them. Some students from last year recognized me and were happy to see me again. With the Teen Leaders, I  have been able to use my experience to help them navigate challenges in their role because I faced those same challenges as well. I, too, felt confused with the new algorithm of responsibility, time management, and patience that was required of a Teen Leader. 

As my senior year comes to an end I feel relieved that my last two years of high school were spent with Read Alliance. Not only did I mature from the experience, but I also learned perseverance and patience. Patience was something I never really had before READ and I never liked multitasking. At this site these skills were necessary but weren’t hard to build because the teachers there were helpful and supportive. It’s not easy at first, but as I got to know everyone at my site and got to know the teachers, time flew by. I wish it didn’t because this is such a wonderful experience I never thought would come to an end.

I grew up in an affluent area in Brooklyn where I attended a well-funded elementary school and was put into the gifted and talented program. As a child of eight, I was thrown into the shelter system after my mother left my abusive father. I have lived in every borough and attended plenty of schools throughout New York. It was apparent that the education in all of these schools was at a much slower pace than that I had received in Brooklyn. It was only in 9th grade when I joined a program called Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) that I learned about the education gap that has been plaguing the education system. Children, who live in low-income areas, are placed in schools that are both underserved and underfunded while children who live in affluent neighborhoods are put in schools that are well funded and can serve to educate children to the best of their ability. SEO is one of the few programs that has begun to work to close that gap. For a long time, I was made to believe that my circumstances predicted my future success and the limits of how far I could dream. In this program, I discovered not only my potential but how I could help students in my school realize theirs as well. It has been my mission to help as many fellow students as I can with the knowledge SEO empowered me with. When I heard about the Read Alliance program, I signed up to participate because it is another program that is working on closing the education gap. It enables students at a young age to receive the help they need while allowing teenagers from similar backgrounds to not only give back but to earn an income. I joined to help make a difference, to be someone I needed when I was younger. As a first-generation minority student, I feel it is my responsibility to create change in a broken education system that I have already weathered through. I believe it is important that my hardships should not be repeated. Read Alliance takes on an important approach to this issue by providing aid to these children at a young age. The program strives to establish the love of education and learning early on, so students know that no matter where they come from, they can make it. This program is important because it empowers teens like me to be a part of the change in our community as well as empower students to use their potential.

I stayed in Read Alliance because it gives me a purpose to do something meaningful for the youth of this city. In the program, I get to interact with different and unique kids from all backgrounds. I get to watch them become excited when they read a whole passage without mistakes. I get to see them laugh and curiously wait to see what happens next when they turn a page. I get to hear about their dreams and aspirations. I get to see their tenacity when they struggle to read a word or to complete a math problem, but still pushing through.

Now as a senior, I plan to major in Psychology in college. Taking AP Psychology this year has taught me how people come to be and how important an impact we leave on children. I have learned how to use these principles to better other’s lives as well as realize the great impact I as an individual can have on someone. Through my work in Read Alliance, I am not only able to put into practice theories of learning and development that I learn in class, but also to see how they impact children in their daily lives. I get hands-on experience for a potential future career, learning from what I already love to do. Read Alliance has taught me the love I have for teaching and working with kids. It has only reinforced my future career goals of working with children, to give back to my community. I joined Read Alliance to help children learn, but it is through this program that I have learned the value of compassion and curiosity from people of all ages.