Our children are our future. Education is at the heart at developing their skills and abilities and yet year after year we hear about the degrading state of our educational system. Our nation has spent trillions of dollars on failed programs that research and experts had promised would work. Achievement gaps persist, performance declines are accelerating and so it is of paramount importance that we explore novel ideas and solutions. You might not agree with many or any of the ideas below, and we certainly are not endorsing policies – our hope is just to create a space where bright, dedicated folks from the community can share their ideas – so that we can all come together and better understand each others experiences, concerns and how we might move forward together to build a brighter future.

Jaelan Ricard

Growing up, I never could’ve imagined that I would be where I am today. I always struggled with what I wanted to do when I was older. I would always give a generic answer, “whatever makes the most money” or “a doctor” because it was instilled in me that going to school was essential. College would help me get a great job in the future. I’ve had a few years of post secondary school but I’ve never had a formal job mostly due to my craft. I wish that I knew that being a creative was a job back then. I was in talented art all throughout school & it was always referred to as a hobby. I think there should be more education in secondary school about alternative career options upon graduation like owning your own business, entrepreneurship, and even different trades. My friend, Jamari, is a teacher at our Alma Mater. She started a Fashion Club & reached out to me to mentor and teach the kids how to create garments & learn the basics of sewing. I think initiatives like the Haus of EK Fashion Club are the missing pieces in preparing students with different options upon graduation. I love being apart of this program because i’m able to give the guidance I wish I had. Read more>>

Melrose Bessenroth

I feel the main issue with cosmetology school is it is in encompasses everything; Hair, Skin and Nails. So there is a lot to cover with the laws, sanitation and learning the technical aspects of each area. So what happens is when you finally take that test and get your license, you start working at a salon with little to no experience. I was lucky enough to start at a salon with an education system in place, but unfortunately not all salons in south florida have this available to students right out of school. I feel if the schools could partner with local salons to provide early training with technical skills, these salons would be able to utilize the students quicker, train them faster and get them productive and making money on the salon floor. This way the students are more informed, have some experience with salon culture, customer service and have the ability to assist technicians with whatever they might need. Read more>>

May Ruzicka

I grew up in Japan, where the education system is a bit different from that in the U.S. There wasn’t much focus on fostering creative thinking. Most classes and exams emphasized memorization, with questions typically having only one correct answer. As a result, I became used to answering questions in a very structured way. Whenever I encountered a more creative question, I felt anxious and wouldn’t write down my answer unless I was sure it was correct. Now that I’m pursuing a career in a creative field, I’ve had to get comfortable sharing ideas, knowing there isn’t always a “right” answer. At first, this terrified me, and I hesitated to speak up because I wasn’t used to offering ideas I wasn’t completely certain about. I believe if the education system encouraged students to embrace creativity and be comfortable with making mistakes, it would help build confidence in their abilities and decision-making skills, ultimately pushing them to think more creatively and take risks. Read more>>

Jorge Herrera

Today’s students need exposure to real-world, modern-day scenarios in the classroom. I’m not just referring to word problems in math, but rather, the integration of larger concepts like financial independence, entrepreneurship, and college scholarship as semester courses. Imagine an entire semester dedicated to navigating these areas—understanding how to excel in them, and most importantly, realizing how dedication and discipline in school now directly impact success in these fields. This approach would allow trial and error to be improved in the classroom, and equip students with the tools and mindset necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing and very competitive world. Read more>>

Samm Azen

The educational system is broken. We’ve known it for years to varying degrees, but it’s really come to a head post-pandemic. Many people are talking about how teachers are quitting en masse because they are poorly supported by apathetic or ineffective administration, which is absolutely true, but it takes the focus off the system and the way it is truly failing the students as well as the teachers. I believe that the students aren’t worse than they used to be. Teachers have trouble motivating students because there is nothing intrinsically motivating about our current school system. A’s and B’s are arbitrary, and students don’t have the context of the world to understand whether any of it even matters. If you go online and read how adults talk about the world, none of it does matter. Read more>>

Daniella Davis

I currently teach after school cooking classes at local charter schools and schools within the Los Angeles, unified school district and whenever I talk to my students, ask them what they learned what was important for that day there’s never a real educational answer. I also see how much programs like mine such as cooking And other extracurricular activities that the company I work through offers and it brings such a true joy to the students I feel what would prepare students better is allowing them to do things that bring them joy more whether it’s through extra programs things outside of traditional learning I feel that my Chef journey really started in my home economics class. And it’s classes and things like this that really bring out a child’s true potential. Read more>>

Hannah Quinton

One of the main reasons I started The Rage was the lack of education in the editorial and creative space in terms of studio photography, interviews, and how to create mood boards. I had to learn most of this stuff in the first few photoshoots of the rage because I simply didn’t know how to work in that space. I am not saying that schools need to be teaching this. Still, a basic understanding of studio work, for example, could make or break a photographer’s career, just because of how most money is made in commercial work which requires studios and lighting. I also wanted another opportunity to use the school’s resources to better my career. The truth is many people get bachelors degree’s, and it makes it hard to stand out to employers nowadays. I would love to talk about all the other things you could do by just utilizing your school’s resources while you’re still a student to better your chance at a good career.  Read more>>

Monica Cuevas

Let me begin by inviting you to soften your gaze or gently close your eyes. Please rest your hands in a position that feels comfortable and nurturing to you. Together, we will take a few deep breaths, holding each for a moment before releasing them with a sigh, allowing ourselves to ground in this space. Nervous system regulation allows us to remain in the present moment and activate emotional intelligence so that we can respond with grace.  Please repeat after me: Transformation Transformation is my strength. I embrace the process of metamorphosis. I am prepared for positive changes. I adapt to change, even when it is challenging. I learn from past experiences. I AM TRANSFORMING! Read more>>