A Conversation with Battle Creek's Future Leaders

Part of the Isa’s Corner series: reflections on belonging, identity, and community in Battle Creek.

On April 20th, Elizabeth and I went to speak in front of about 40 students at Lakeview High School about how to become more involved in the Battle Creek community.

I walked into the room as a Lakeview alumni, a BCTRHT intern, and as a KCC student. With these lenses, I felt that I could relate to and inspire this group of students. I shared my experience as a high school student, which included both my struggles and triumphs. Focusing on what motivated me to better myself, my community, and my school.

We then asked the group,“What is a problem in your community? What are you doing about that problem?” A student shared that the disability community in Battle Creek is often disregarded. As an issue that is really important to them, they often volunteer their time to serve and advocate with the deaf community. Bringing visibility to what often times is invisible.

Some of the other to problems in their school and in our community included bullying, isolation, racism, not fitting in, etc. And their solutions were things that any of us can do to make things better, such as creating opportunities for people, being open minded, saying something when you see something, and being a friend to someone in need.

I came into this space thinking their leadership was only within the school. I was honestly surprised and humbled to learn about all the different types of issues that resonated with them. More importantly all the creative solutions these students were participating in to see these problems change.

Leaving Lakeview that day, I walked out more inspired than I walked in. These students aren't waiting to become leaders in our community; they already are.

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Isa’s Corner is a storytelling series exploring belonging, identity, and community through the reflections of a young leader growing and learning in Battle Creek.