By Emony Tate

The majority of my summer was spent working. I know that sounds boring, but actually it was the most fun I have ever had.

This summer job took place at Youth Service Project (YSP) located on 3944 W. North Ave. YSP is a youth organization that not only provides you with a job, but also with skills for a future career. My program was not the only job opportunity they have to offer. If you are the ages of 16-24 and need a summer job look up YSP.

My job helped with gaining organizing skills and creating a space to learn about all the social injustices around you. There were 10 other people in my job field. The ages in this specific job field were 16-19. Our mentor/supervisor was a lovely woman named Hilda Franco who is a history and philosophy teacher at Rudy Lozano Leadership Academy.

During this program I created bonds with 10 amazing, socially conscious individuals. I got to learn more about myself. Also, I learned more on how to become a better organizer. I was not the only one to gain so much from the summer job.

“I learned to be more commute,” said Joseph Castro, a senior at Greater Lawndale High School for Social Justice.

Reporter Emony Tate with some of her YSP team members.

“I took friends, knowledge, and education,” said Salvador Guzman, a senior at Rudy Leadership Academy.

The most important things I learned were how to become an ally to women and to improve my leadership skills. The qualities have a interrelationship. To be an ally to women it takes a strong person. I had to learn how not judge females by their actions because I don’t know how they came to be that way.

I also had to learn how not use derogatory terms, such as hoe, thot, slut, and bitch. These words are made by society to keep women as the underdogs and so they can build up self-hate.

Becoming a better ally to women is my way of becoming a better leader. Being a better leader also knows when to step back to let someone else lead. I had to learn this throughout the summer; I am still working on this. After this summer my leadership skills have greatly enhanced.

There are many social injustices around us. Joseph and Salavador said that they are most passionate about “education and sexism” and “restorative justice and oppression.” I am most passionate about the juvenile injustices and Chicago public schools injustices.

To contribute to my school and incorporate what I gained from the summer I am looking to start a social justice club. This club will be active in all communities and learn how to become socially conscious.

“Starting a social justice group in my school. Informing my friends and family. I will stand as a leader. Making people aware of what exist around them.” Said Joseph.

“I am in CSA (Conscious Souls in Action), I am in CSU (Chicago Student Union), and educating myself with notes and diaries,” Salvador said.

These are ways these young adults are making change. If you want to a part of that change, keep your ears open when our social justice club starts. Also, look up Youth Service Project and Blocks Together for opportunities to be a part of this change.