My junior year of high school, I was nominated to represent my school on Atlanta Public School's (APS) student advisory council. The council acts as the voice of Atlanta Public Schools' students to the board of education in order for them to make decisions about the district with the students in mind.

I was chair of the Social Justice & Equity committee, and I had to lead my peers in preparing for a large presentation to the entire board of education and the superintendent at the end of the school year. Focusing on inequities in APS, we collected data and our presentation was problems with possible solutions with our main focus being changing policies and adding some to make APS more equitable. Our work got the board to mandate Gay-Straight Alliances in every APS school, which wasn't a policy before.

Being a part of the council has taught me so much about teamwork, leadership, and trust. Working with my peers, we were able to get historical work done for the district. I was able to plan and host my school's first ever Breakfast with the Board event, allowing students to talk directly with the board of education about their APS experience. Being the committee chair has taught me how to lead with confidence. Being on the council means that the district officials have to trust me to accurately represent my peers and I have to trust them to do what's right.

This year I have been elected board chair and I am beyond excited to make big things happen with the council!