Editor,
I am a freshman at Yelm High School, an honor roll student, who cares about the education system. Without the school, I wouldn't be here now. I am writing this to voice my concerns on behalf of the students of Yelm and to share my experiences.
Our schools are my home, and teachers have supported me left and right. Since I was young, my teachers have always been there to lead me and support me. When I was 9, my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Morisset, assisted me in being removed from a traumatic situation. That was the first time the school had helped me. I owe her a thank you because, without her, I believe I wouldn't be alive.
In seventh grade, I met Skylar Cole, a social worker who works with students across the district. Skylar has worked with me for three years, learning about my struggles and teaching me that I am valuable. Since seventh grade, I've discovered who I am. I am who I am because my world didn't burn to the ground at age 9 or 12. In my eighth grade year, I still didn't have a grip on my life, losing myself to the thousands upon thousands of struggles I had to deal with every day. An old teacher of mine, Gregory Saunders, still checks up on me, even though I am not his student anymore.
Currently, it's my freshman year, and step by step, I'm learning to love life and what the world has given me. I've created new support systems in the high school, and I look forward every day to seeing them, for instance, my favorite teacher, Ms. Brookshire. I eat lunch with her throughout the school week, I tell her my worries, and I tell her what I am doing in life, like the jobs I'm taking and the events I'm going to. I look forward to speaking with my favorite teacher, who cares for me and understands that I am valuable without a letter A to my name. This school is my home. The teachers are my family because they've cared more than anyone else. Many other students relate to my situation and are concerned about their support systems being laid off.
Teachers are important, but school activities are also important. It's an outlet for students. It allows students to connect, with themselves, with advisors and with the environment. It teaches us commitment, fills us with pride and builds our confidence. Our education opens up several pathways for the future. Our education isn't an expense, it's an investment.
We're supposed to learn and grow for future generations, so the generations to come have a better education system than I do right now. I hope you hear my thoughts and my feelings that this is significant to numerous people, not just a certain group. The students are hurt and will continue to be hurt by this outcome. Thank you.
Evelynn Courneya
Yelm
