Khristi Adams

As I gathered my things to leave on the final day of my sacred activism class, a student quietly passed me a note, doing so with a shy reserve, but clearly intent on making sure I received it. “Ms. Adams, you are a great leader and role model. I’ve learned a lot this year about sacred activism, and it helps me with how I see the world.” That note made my day, my month, even my year. My students came from privileged backgrounds, educated in private school settings and surrounded by opportunity.

“Can you remember the first time you felt a real sense of belonging?” I asked a room of people to reflect on this question during a seminar focused on creating environments of belonging for students and colleagues. The question prompted me to pause and search within myself for the answer. When my family moved from our home in a New York City to a small suburb in New Jersey, I had no idea what to expect.

Are the kids OK? As a youth advocate and educator, I’ve had the privilege of teaching, counseling and working alongside teenagers as they’ve navigated the complexities of life over the past five years. The tumultuous events of this period have deeply affected many of them — spiritually, emotionally and socially. And the summer ahead, traditionally a more restful and recreational period for teenagers, looks primed to be just as challenging.