“ I think it ’ s important to bring awareness to addiction because it ’ s a very common problem but rarely discussed . When a problem isn ’ t addressed , it tends to get worse , and I don ’ t want that to happen to my generation ”
TIMBERVIEW STUDENTS TAKE PLAN TO COMBAT ADDICTION TO WASHINGTON D . C .
Timberview High School students Joel Kwarteng and
Zairiyah Watson are headed to Washington D . C . this summer to attend the YMCA Youth Governors Conference as part of the Changemakers competition , where they will present their proposal titled “ A Mission to Help Addicted Youth .” Their plan is aimed at young people who are struggling with drug and vape addiction .
“ I think it ’ s important to bring awareness to addiction because it ’ s a very common problem but rarely discussed ,” said Zairiyah . “ When a problem isn ’ t addressed , it tends to get worse , and I don ’ t want that to happen to my generation and the next generation to come .” is the team ’ s sponsor . He says it ’ s important for students to participate in programs like YMCA Changemakers because it helps them become more conscientious about what ’ s happening in the world , which aligns with the district ’ s strategic plan to ensure scholars are life ready upon graduation .
“ Working on the proposal has helped me even more confirm what I want to do with my life ,” Zairiyah said . “ It has given me a voice that not many people have at my age or even in the career path I ’ ve chosen . I am able to speak up about something I care so much about but most importantly shine a light on something that many people don ’ t know about .”
The Youth Governors Association will select three projects that will be presented at the YMCA Youth Governors Conference to receive $ 5,000 in funding . Joel and Zairiyah ’ s plan outlines how to better restrict the accessibility of non-essential drugs and tobacco products among local youth .
“ My main motivation behind this project is when I witnessed friends and family I know being harshly affected by drugs ,” said Joel . “ Seeing their future stretch further and further from them with each puff sparked a fire in me and made me decide , ‘ I ’ m going to help these people one way or another .’”
Odell Staggers , English teacher at Timberview High School ,
Timberview High School students Joel Kwarteng and Zairiyah Watson are headed to Washington D . C . this summer to attend the YMCA Youth Governors Conference , where they will present their proposal titled “ A Mission to Help Addicted Youth .”
Zairiyah , currently a sophomore , plans to become a defense attorney who practices at the Capitol in Washington D . C .
Joel says working on the proposal has helped him develop soft skills including meeting deadlines , effectively research topics and improvise .
“ I do believe that working on this project has taught and reinforced these valuable skills and has helped me become life and career ready ,” Joel said .
Joel and Zairiyah will present at YMCA Youth Governors Conference June 14-16 .
“ I think it ’ s important to bring awareness to addiction because it ’ s a very common problem but rarely discussed . When a problem isn ’ t addressed , it tends to get worse , and I don ’ t want that to happen to my generation ”
ZAIRIYAH WATSON
Timberview High School Sophomore
15 MANSFIELDTODAY