A panel of several high school students discussed their identities and spoke about their experiences with a group of lower school students in an event hosted by fourth grade teacher Julia Quintero on Dec. 4 and Dec. 7.
Ms. Quintero described one of her motivations for hosting the panel as wanting her students to learn from and connect with U-High students when they’re usually taught by adults.
“I think the fourth graders really look up to the high schoolers,” Ms. Quintero said, “and it’s cool for them sometimes to hear from adults, but it’s also, I think, really important for them to hear from peers who are just a few years older than them.”
Ms. Quintero also hoped that the panel would allow her students to realize that their thoughts about and issues of identity aren’t things that will fade over time, but rather persistent aspects of life.
“I wanted them to understand that these big questions about identity are things that they will be grappling with their whole lives,” Ms. Quintero said. “And so I think seeing peers who are kind of role models to them talk about identity on a little bit of a deeper level might give them some new insights.”
Junior Joshua Carter said he chose to participate in the panel because he wanted the kids to learn how important it is to be proud of their identities. He said one of the best parts was seeing their real-time reactions to the presenters.
“It was fun to talk to the kids because you could tell when something said on the panel resonated with them, and their excitement when they saw their identity represented on the panel,” Joshua said.
Joshua also emphasized wanting to help the kids understand the diverse array of safe spaces and affinity groups available at the Laboratory Schools. He made it a priority for them to recognize that there’s always an inclusive place awaiting them within their school community.
Joshua said, “I wanted the kids to learn that there are affinity spaces in the middle and high schools that are welcoming of everyone, and are really great ways to learn more about yourself and the Lab community.”
