Goodbye GOALS!
In 2016, we co-founded Girls’ Optimal Academic learning Society (GOALS) at Oak Grove Middle School in Concord. We founded this organization to optimize education and the school environment for underserved middle school girls by providing a safe space for both academic purposes as well as discussing relevant, personal issues. In our first meeting, we had a small attendance of three girls, but this gave us the chance to really connect with the girls as we launched our program. Three years later, we had a steady attendance of 15 individuals, and not just girls. Throughout these three years, we have taken a look at a wide range of themes including immigration, police brutality, gun violence, women’s representation in the media, mental health, and financial literacy which we navigate through open conversations, activities, and guest speakers. Although the members of GOALS are young, they offered such unique perspectives into global issues that directly impact their community. For example, many of them are immigrants or come from immigrant families, and with the unfortunate situation many immigrants have been put in because of administrational goals and policies, they have expressed the constant fear and anxiety they live with. All of us come from immigrant families, though we are not immigrants ourselves, so this allows us to better understand the experiences of our own families.
Starting this program early in our high school careers allowed us to develop connections with middle schoolers and watch them transition into high schoolers; it is unbelievable to think that the sixth graders we started this program with are going into their sophomore year, the year we started GOALS. Likewise, GOALS has helped us grow and develop a larger sense of community. There are so many harmful misconceptions surrounding Oak Grove Middle School: gang violence, drugs, unmotivated students. But in reality, Oak Grove is filled with bright young children ready to learn and listen to their peers’ stories, actively working on their compassion and empathy. It is important for the people in this community who push those stereotypes to reflect on the reasons they do and make the time and effort to uncover the truth. Now, we cannot believe it is over, but we are so excited to see what the members of GOALS will do next. Thank you to Oak Grove for an amazing three years, we will miss you! You all were the true teachers, not us. We appreciate all your vulnerability, your openness, and willingness to learn. You were the reason for the success of the program and we are forever grateful for you.
-Aava Farhadi, Ashley Xu, Ellora Easton
