“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.” -Maya Angelou
For quite some time, I had felt like little more than a pair of listening ears, a pair of watching eyes; a mere witness to the stories of anguish which seemed to swirl around me.
As a young African American girl moving away from Long Island, New York, I wouldn’t have been able to predict what my teenage years would look like now. At least, not fully.
I knew that I would have enriching experiences at Enloe, learning lessons and forging connections with others that I hope to carry throughout my lifetime. And without question, I knew that I would tower physically over all my peers, something I hadn’t failed to do even in elementary school.
But despite both my physical and personal growth during this period, I could not have anticipated that I would be walking into the building my junior year hidden behind a paper mask. I could not have predicted the onset of hysteria brought about by families who suffered in the midst of a health crisis, still with no end in sight. None of us could have. And although I am no longer surprised by the treatment of people who look like me at the hands of the police, the wounds of injustice still penetrate, fresh and deep.
Today, people of all backgrounds have needs that are left unmet. But during this period of uncertainty, I have been able to experience the value of breaking this silence firsthand, through action. My involvement in Enloe’s student council has been a powerful opportunity for myself and other students to further our collective efforts in making changes in our school and the surrounding Raleigh community. Through our Charity Ball fundraising initiative, I have gained a greater sense of understanding as to how far our actions and efforts can reach.
Each dollar raised for Haven House, each lesson learned, and each moment of laughter and connection- these serve as constant and empowering reminders as to why we put in the work that we do. I could not be prouder to support Haven House in their efforts to serve our fellow youth, who are confronted with great challenges during this time. As we navigate through a climate of uncertainty and injustice, using our voices to bring awareness and create change can be daunting. But I believe that alongside a strong and loving community that strives to fulfill promises, it is made more possible.
Ava Wharton
Equity Officer