MHS Walkout

Almost immediately following Inauguration Day (January 20), there have been various acts of protests around the country, and world. This retaliation comes as a consequence of the anguish and fear many are feeling due to the executive orders President Trump has been issuing, and  his new administration's agenda. Moorpark High School is just one school where students felt the need to make their voices heard. On January 31st during the lunch period, numerous students at our school decided to walk out in condemnation of the Trump Administration, and in solidarity of this new movement. The following are two student's (one of whom walked out, one who didn't) accounts of their experiences and perspectives on this whole situation. 

Interview #1: Aaliyah Arias 

1. Did you decide to walk out on January 31st? Why or why not? 

"Yes, I walked out. I wanted to stand up for what I believe in and know that I have a voice in my society." 

2. If you did, can you briefly run through the events of the walk-out and subsequent protest?  If possible, can you describe some emotions or feelings that were in the air at the time? / If you didn't, what was it like after the walk-out? If possible, can you describe the feeling of your classroom or the school? 

"Well, we met up in the quad and walked all the way down to McDonalds, and protested there." Aaliayh accounts that while she was engaging in the walk out, she felt very "empowered" and "like I was doing something very important for my people." She continued, stating that, "...the energy was very lively." 

3. If you did, What was your goal in attending the walk-out?

" I just wanted to be heard, and make others listen to what I had to say."

4. Why do you think people feel so passionately about this?

Immediately, Aaliayah affirmed, "Because we’re not only speaking  up for ourselves, but the people around us and around the world who cannot speak up."  

5. If you walked out or not, what is something that you take away from the whole experience?

"That everything you do has significance, and it's important to embrace your culture and fight for what you believe in."

Aadya Magadala

1. Did you decide to walk out on January 31st? Why or why not?

"No, I didn't. My parents support something different and I didnt want to make them upset."

2.  If you did, can you briefly run through the events of the walk-out and subsequent protest?  If possible, can you describe some emotions or feelings that were in the air at the time? / If you didn't, what was it like after the walk-out? If possible, can you describe the feeling of your classroom or the school? 

 "It was extremely empty," she explained, " it felt like no one was there and it was very weird not seeing a lot of people in the hallways or in class; the energy was just off." She concluded. 

3. Why do you think people feel so passionately about this?

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Aadya explained she thought it was "...because there are people who are trying to remove the people who make our town and country;  without them, "she elaborates, "I think that many processes..and systems would not be able to function properly." 

5. If you walked out or not, what is something that you take away from the whole experience?

"I take it that people will fight for what they believe in, and that those who have worked hard,  deserve to be here, and that we take many things…like our freedoms, for granted everyday." 

Acts of protest just like this one continue around the country, as many are still unsatisfied and angered by this new administration's decisions. Although there is currently a sense of delicacy, confusion, and divisiveness in our country, it is almost reassuring to see that people have not ceased to utilize their first amendment rights, and peacefully make their voices heard.