My name is Clover Rashby and I am 15 years old. I am in 9th grade at Nevada Union High School.
My family is my home, my heart and truly my soul. They have seen my ups and downs and I have seen theirs. I think what makes my family so beautiful is how diverse we are. We have different religions, colors, sexual and gender identities, all in my immediate family. We all have our own experiences in the world and struggles society puts on us. We are not a typical family, but I take pride in my families differences.
I also take pride in the diverse family I have at my school. It makes me so happy when I see my classmates uplifting each other—seeing the people in front of me laughing and being themselves authentically without being afraid. But then I look to the left—to the Black kids, the Queer kids, the Disabled kids, the Latino kids, the Women, and EVERY OTHER STUDENT that is NOT a rich white boy.
And what do I see?
Discrimination, bullying, fear, lack of confidence, SELF HATRED.
That is not equality.
That is not safety.
My heart is so heavy.
How is it that I can look at the small group of white boys right in front of me and everyone is safe and equal, but the moment I turn around, MANY groups of students are not feeling safe in their own skin? If that doesn’t break your heart, you’re made of stone.
I don’t want to be afraid to be me anymore.
Everyone at my school, including myself, DESERVES to feel safe and equal.
Open your eyes. SEE US.