7th and 8th grade Student Leadership Day

On February 26, 2014, ten of us had the privilege of attending Student Leadership Day at the Illinois Holocaust Museum Education Center.  Throughout the day, we learned the power of words and how they help to shape our identity.

At the beginning of the day, we started with our own names and what they mean to us.  We then moved on to the words that describe and mean something to us.  After figuring out our mission statements for the day, we heard Aaron Elster speak about his horrific experiences during the Holocaust.  He shared the impact of the words of Nazi Germany on his psyche and how hard it was to overcome those awful experiences.  He challenged the students to speak up to family and friends if they hear injustice, make a difference in the world, do good by taking small steps, and taking a chance!

Aaron Elster:  Holocaust Survivor

After that, we had a chance to explore the museum.  Our goal was to find ways that words were used to hurt others and ways they were used to make positive change.  We explored the Harvey Miller Youth Exhibit and the permanent exhibit.

Hudson Taylor:  Founder of Athlete Ally

Then we had a chance to hear Hudson Taylor from Athlete Ally speak about acceptance on and off the field.  He spoke about becoming a champion of inclusion and victory through unity.  His message included standing up for the dignity of others and that it's "cool to be kind".  He left everyone wondering how we could make the world a better place by saying that we are "always in a moment where we can take action; the question is will we?"  He gave students and teachers four principles:

1.  Treat others as they want to be treated.
2.  In everything you do in life, you should seek to maximize happiness and minimize suffering.
3.  You should always act so long as the burdens of that action do no outweigh the benefits of that action.
4.  You are responsible for whatever history of which you are a part.  The culture you create today effects the students of tomorrow!

Hudson also gave some tips:
1.  Be educated
2.  Be explicit
3.  Use your virtual voice and share what you believe in
4.  Wear your beliefs on your sleeve
5.  Fix the broken windows because our environment shapes our conduct

Hudson reminded us that there has never been a successful social movement without the support of the majority.  "Create a place where people can thrive, not just survive.  Change is what you do when you have no options left!"

Our students with Hudson Taylor!