How did you become involved in the Saint Paul Youth Commission?
I became involved in the Saint Paul Youth Commission (SPYC) during my junior year of high school. I was just scrolling through my Instagram when I found their account. The content immediately interested me due to other internships I have been involved with, such as the Aurora Children’s Peace Garden in Frogtown, Saint Paul. Both of these internships focused on making the community more connected and empowering youth voices. SPYC felt like my perfect next step, so I just filled the form out on a whim!
What drew you to take on the leadership role as lead chair of the St. Paul Youth Commission?
What drew me to take the lead of chair was the strong sense of community at SPYC. At the end of my first year, I felt inspired to take on a larger role and run as chair for the next coming year. I saw this position as an opportunity to grow my public speaking and leadership skills. Taking on this responsibility has helped me connect with others while also challenging myself to develop skills that I know will be valuable in my future.
Can you tell us more about the IMPACT project(s) you’ve been involved with?
Last year, I was a part of an IMPACT project focusing on the School To Prison Pipeline. The School To Prison Pipeline is a trend in schools where disciplinary practices, such as suspensions and expulsions, disproportionately push marginalized students out of schools and into the criminal justice system. The pipeline is an issue all over the country, but with Minnesota having one of the largest academic achievement gaps it is very crucial we help. As part of the project, my group created a slideshow for schools across the Saint Paul district, offering ways for staff to address this pressing issue. Presenting this project allowed us to raise awareness and inform school administrations, hoping this would make schools change.
What has inspired you to get involved with your community in this way?
Growing up I experienced the different communities of Saint Paul through the eyes of my mom who works as a public sculptor. Her projects took me all over Saint Paul and I saw the vibrancy of many neighborhoods as well the challenges. Through her art, my mom works to bring people together and I saw how much more help was needed. As I observed her positive change, I began to want to find a way I could do the same. I wanted to explore ways to address the needs of my community, make connections, and give others a voice. My experiences have shown me the power of creativity and collaboration and this has shaped my passion to actively support Saint Paul.
Can you connect your involvement to any experiences or learning you had at FSMN?
During 7th grade at FSMN, I decided to do my history day project on I-94 and the effects the highway had on Rondo. Researching this project was eye-opening because I learned about the displacement of families, the loss of community, and the long-term effects of gentrification that reshaped the area. The support FSMN gave me sparked my interest to go deeper in understanding the social and historical influences that shape communities. Diving into the story of Rondo deepened my want to make a positive impact and advocate for community voices, especially those that are often unheard. This project stayed with me and ultimately inspired me to get involved in SPYC where I work to address issues that affect communities now. FSMN encouraged me to look deeply and think critically and I carry those values with me today.
Arunata will graduate from Central High School this spring and begin her college career in Manhattan at Fordham University to major in Social Work.
Congratulations on your work, Arunata!
Click here to learn more about the Saint Paul Youth Commission program.
