In her own words
Nariyah Harris
I’ve wanted to help people on a personal level for as long as I can remember. As I got older, I became aware of the shortcomings and problems within our educational system. Things like discrimination, bullying, overcrowded classrooms, and the model many schools have adopted of teaching to the test. I knew this is where I wanted to make a change and where I could make a lasting difference in people’s lives. I am pursuing higher education to better equip myself with the knowledge and tools to teach young people and help them reach their goals. Higher education will allow me to become a teacher where I can be a role model for my students while providing them with a safe, positive environment in school through inclusive lessons and equitable assignments. Finishing my degree will give me the opportunity to obtain my goal of creating an after school program that connects education and community by providing students with resources, extracurricular activities, and pertinent life skills. I hope to make school a memorable, enjoyable experience instead of a dreadful, anxiety provoking chore. I know that if we provide students with the tools and foundation to be culturally aware, compassionate, and resilient; the future will be brighter for all of us.