Student Experiences: Brianne White

By Brenna Pepke

In the bustling atmosphere of Owen Middle School's Community Night, amidst the laughter and chatter, I had the privilege of sitting down with Brianne White, a vibrant 14-year-old student from Owen High School. Despite her youthful age, Brianne exudes wisdom beyond her years, and as we delved into conversation, it became evident that she possesses a profound understanding of the importance of community support in shaping young lives.

“I want to be a songwriter or a playwright,” she shared, her eyes alight with passion and ambition. Brianne's dreams are vast, and feel achievable to her thanks in part to the encouragement and guidance she's received from her community.

Central to Brianne's support system is Josh Wells, the Community School Coordinator at Owen Middle School, whose impact on her life has been nothing short of transformative. “My mom is friends with Josh, so I’m friends with Josh, and we’re pretty close,” she explained. “He brought a lot of stuff to our house whenever we were going through a hard time. He got me some Christmas presents too last Christmas.”

Josh's unwavering support during challenging times has left a lasting impression on Brianne, instilling in her a sense of trust and gratitude towards him. “I feel like I could recommend other people to him if they ever need something,” she remarked, highlighting the ripple effect of support within their close-knit community.

But it's not just individual relationships that make Owen Middle School special; it's the collective sense of pride and unity that permeates the school's culture. “Our pride is our biggest strength,” Brianne emphasized. “We have people who don't get along in our school sometimes, but we eventually sort it out because we are so close together.”

Indeed, the bonds forged within the school community serve as a powerful glue that holds it together, transcending differences and fostering a sense of belonging for all students. Brianne understands this implicitly, recognizing the vital role that community schools play in combating feelings of isolation among students.

“I feel like community schools are also really important because a lot of students feel alone, and they shouldn't feel that way because they have a lot of people around them who can help them,” she observed. For Brianne, the value of community support cannot be overstated; it's a lifeline for those in need and a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

As our conversation drew to a close, I couldn't help but be inspired by Brianne's resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of community schools and the dedicated individuals, like Josh Wells, who work tirelessly to ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive.

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