What are some unique challenges that students face today?
Kai Malette, Northwest D.C.
“A lack of resources…outside resources for the kids—especially now that there’s such an issue when it comes to literacy and services outside of the school—then you kind of get into a situation where it falls on the teachers to do more than they bargained for or expect to do during the school year.”
Samaria, Prince George’s County, Maryland
“I don’t know how unique it is, but I always say when working with kids that they’re really scared to be themselves. It’s a lot of pressure on who “they” want them to be –– who their friends want them to be, who they feel like they’re supposed to be based off of TV shows or social media.”
Demitri Lee, Prince George’s County, Maryland
“I would say one more problem or challenge kids face is…how heavy the workload is on just one student alone. Especially if students are doing extracurriculars like being an athlete or after-school clubs, it’s just a lot of work for a student.”
Ateya Ball-Lacy, Northeast D.C
“I serve as an assistant principal in a Maryland public school; I think that challenges young people face, not just here but nationwide, really are in regard to…how they interact with the internet and social media.”
India Moore, Northwest D.C.
“The biggest problem is transportation. Maryland and Virginia have buses while kids in D.C. endure so much to get to school.”
Compiled by Evan Aldridge
