Guadenzia

Student Intern: Emily Wexler

Emily Wexler- "They're Still Kids"

Kayla Cooper

Envision someone pushing against a wall that dares to crumble

Behind them are terrified teens

Waiting for the day the wall fails

They fall just like many who came before

The outcomes on the other side of the wall:

Mass incarceration, substance use disorders, and gun violence to name a few

The person is doing their best but how long are they expected to keep this up?

How can they build this wall while protecting the teens?

How can the person teach the teens to support themselves?

The answer? Love

Loving the teens enough to protect them

To help them find their passions

To let them know that they are worthy

To offer a place for them to “figure it out”

To hold the world off just a bit longer

A willingness to keep pushing though most people would stop

Not putting pressure on them to have all the answers

But teaching them how to use their voices

How to dream big

How to communicate and develop their sense of self

Over time, maybe some friends help to carry the weight of the wall

Push in bricks of mentorship and innovation

Others offer resources

The teens grow off of the love given to them and become strong adults

The wall no longer needs to be held

The teens stand up tall and walk in their true destiny