Juniors Isabella Brooke, Malachi Harris, and Randall Vega are members of YW Bostons Youth Leadership Initiative “InIt” class of 2019.
YW Boston is an organization that aims to educate the Boston community on eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. InIt is a 10-month program — including a summer retreat — that meets one Saturday each month, and uses experiential learning to educate students on social justice topics like housing equity, education policy, food justice , health equity, immigration, and the criminal legal system. Students then use their new knowledge to improve the equity in their school and community.
In a newsletter after the final program day, InIt interviewed the Beaver student delegates — asking them about their favorite memories from the program, how they define themselves, and what inspires them. Below are their responses.
Isabella Brooke
What inspires you?
“I am inspired by people who put themselves in uncomfortable positions in order to make change that others are too afraid to make. I am also inspired by people who do not let peer pressure, societal pressure, or any other influences get in the way of sharing their ideas.”
What’s your favorite InIt memory?
“My favorite InIt memory was when everyone was on the retreat and everyone was walking in the freezing back to the bedrooms. Me and some other delegates all walked together getting covered by one big blanket, we were so close – laughing, tripping on each other, singing – I will never forget that moment. But what was so amazing about that experience is that we had all only known each other for 2 days! But because we were all sharing our experiences and engaging in different activities and conversations we were all able to become the best of friends so fast.”
Malachi Harris
What inspires you?
“When it comes to things that inspire me to accomplish my goals the answer is simple to me, it’s my family.”
Describe yourself in five words.
“Intelligent, Understandable, Funny, Athletic, Caring.”
Randall Vega
What inspires you?
“My friends and family as well as the various people in my life motivate me to be my best self.”
What’s your favorite InIt memory?
“My favorite InIt memory is when we had our group camp fire, everyone was telling their stories, reading poetry and sharing fun moments. It was beautiful.”