Issue 28 • October 2019

Civic Engagement: Building the Future

By Audrey Chung, Brooks School

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief

Dear Readers,

As a senior, who is currently applying to colleges, a question that I am asked frequently is what I want to do in the future. For me, that question carries a lot of power, along with a lot of responsibility. I want to do something that makes my parents proud, but I also want to be proud of the things that I accomplished when I’m looking back on my life. In short, I want to find fulfillment in life.

In my seventeen years, one of the most fulfilling passions of mine is teaching little kids. I mostly teach art and English, but sometimes I dabble in history and the sciences. The topic that I teach isn’t important, seeing the kids grow as creative thinkers and learners is what gives me joy and what fulfills me. Putting my time and energy into children who are full of life gives me hope for my future and humanity’s. Teaching them about photography or dance is enthralling because of the kids’ curiosity and willingness to explore. Seeing the excitement and thrill that children embody teaches me the importance of finding moments of joy in my life. Being able to teach kids who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to take an arts class or get extra help on math, forced me to recognize the privilege that I had. I’ve gone to private school my whole life, but through volunteering with local schools and organizations I’ve been able to connect with people outside my “bubble.” Throughout my life, I want to use the resources that I have to help better the communities around me who might not have access to the same opportunities.  

Civic Engagement means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes, and for me, I do it through teaching. I urge you to find a way to give back to the communities around you. In this issue, you can read about how students at our different schools participate in civic engagement, our thoughts and opinions on the sacrifices that comes with civic engagement, and the importance of opening ourselves to new experiences and ideas.

Enjoy,

Grace Li, Milton Academy '20

Editor-in-Chief

The Tavern 2019-2020 Editorial Board

Brooks School: Audrey Chung

Groton School: Claire Lee

Milton Academy: Erinma Onyewuchi

Northfield Mount Hermon: Ayleen Cameron

Phillips Academy Andover: Gayatri Rajan

Phillips Exeter Academy: Emma Reach

St. Mark's School: Katie Park

Tabor Academy: Charlotte Gebhard

St. Andrews: Mia Nguyen