Through these projects, students reflect on what has strengthened their learning, the barriers they’ve encountered, and the changes that could make learning feel more meaningful for them.
“It really started getting really difficult for me during my sophomore year. I was really going through a lot that time. I was very overwhelmed, very just personal life stuff mostly,” said junior Angie Bustamante. “But sadly that really reflected in my schooling. Like I would start skipping school 'cause since I was so overwhelmed I would just, I couldn't be in a, like a seat at school. Like I would just like want to get up and go, which really affected me with truancy.”
Their stories are candid, perceptive, and offer a vivid look at education from their point of view.
On Friday, December 12, students welcomed peers, teachers, staff, and community members to an event that showcased their creative work and shared the inspiration behind the films and podcasts.
Palenke Arts provided students with the equipment and some training to create the films and podcasts.
The program featured the student-produced films alongside thoughtful discussions in which students described the hurdles and triumphs that have shaped their educational journeys.
“I gave up on myself really, really early, but that's when Central Coast came in and it kind of gave me an, an alternative way to, it kind of felt like when I came here I put my time on pause and I was able to recover stuff and do it in a way that I was able to,” said student Andrew Carranza.
As the event concluded, attendees were encouraged to write down a personal commitment they could make to better uplift and support students.
The summit closed with refreshments, conversation, and a sense of shared purpose.
To hear their stories, click here.