How do we talk about issues that matter?

 When we feel a topic is important to discuss, it can be one of the hardest things to bring up. The necessity of talking about this certain topic makes it feel overwhelming and stressful. For example, let's say you want to ask a possible new friend about their political beliefs. This could be something that is of paramount importance before deciding if you want to get closer to this person. The way people approach topics can say a lot about them. If they casually bring it up versus sitting the person down and making the discussion's importance clear. Almost all of us want to avoid uncomfortable situations. We want to have a good time, especially when in a group setting. We don't want to pick fights or seem like we are trying to start one. This causes people to steer clear of issues that matter. However, when such topics are brought up, the room's mood can change drastically with just one comment. Bringing up someone's death, politics, racism, the economy, or a number of other divisive topics. One way we communicate that an issue is important to us can be through body language. By holding eye contact, leaning forward slightly, and sitting or standing with your chest uncovered (not crossing your arms), you show subconsciously that you are listening and actively engaging in the conversation. When talking about these things that matter to us, we also use direct communication styles to get straight to the point. Using only necessary details and descriptions while trying not to diverge from the main topic.

What is the purpose of schools?

 I believe the purpose of schools, and specifically public schools are to prepare students to be productive members of society. While not all of the information learned in school every student will use, it is meant to give them a foundation so they can figure out what they want to use. One kid might use algebra every day in their accounting job and never use color theory, while one of their classmates might go on to use color theory every day and never use algebra. The schooling system teaches the kids all of these skills anyway so they can make the decisions for themselves about what skills they do or don't want to use. Marginalized students might not get introduced to all that a non-marginalized student has the ability to get introduced to. This can cause the first student to not realize their full potential or get stuck in a job they don't enjoy. What these marginalized students need from our schooling system is a system that wants to work with them. They need schools willing to go above and beyond to help them get on the path they need to succeed. This can mean many different things for many different kids. Maybe one kid needs extra math tutoring before school. Other students might need more time in class to work on homework as they have to take care of their siblings after school. It varies so much from kid to kid, and our schooling systems need to be able to adapt to help these kids, or they will fall through the cracks.

-Riley Vincent