Bridging the Gap by Payton

Bridging the Gap by Payton - December 2025 Scholarship Essay

One way I would hope to positively impact the school is by bridging the gap between students and the faculty to make sure that every student's voice is heard and integrated into decision making. My focus would be on implementing accessible communication channels for students to use when they have an issue with something the school is using. It should make the students feel empowered and valued by the administration. By making sure that students opinions are actively involved in policies, we can create a much more inclusive and student-centric environment for everybody.
Hosting open "town-halls" that students and faculty are required to attend every week where admins can address students concerns and let the students voice their reasoning. These shouldn't just be Q&A sessions, the administrators and students should work to develop a solution for the issue. There should also be specific office hours for counselors and principals for students to come in and directly talk about their concerns without needing to schedule a formal appointment. Lastly, there should be a student portal that students can go to submit anonymous feedback about something they are concerned with at the school.
By advocating for students opinions and voices, it teaches the importance of speaking up and knowing your rights. The ultimate goal is for students to feel like they aren't just there to learn, they are also there to be partners with the administration. By making communication transparent, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant community.