As I reflect on my education, I cannot help but think about the sacrifices my parents made to provide me with opportunities they never had. As a first-generation college student from Nampa, Idaho, I know firsthand the transformative power of school choice – a lifeline for low-income and middle-class families in Idaho striving for better opportunities.
My parents immigrated from Mexico, dreaming of a better life for their children. They worked tirelessly in Idaho’s fields, often putting their dreams aside to ensure that my siblings and I could pursue an education. Yet, despite their hard work, they faced the harsh reality of an educational system that often fails to meet the needs of some students.
It is vital for families to have options when it comes to their children’s education. Our family faced unimaginable challenges, including the loss of my oldest sister in 2005. Though I was too young to remember her, the weight of that grief shaped my childhood and my role within my family.
Like many Idaho students, I experienced large class sizes, a lack of individual attention, and an environment where I felt isolated. I was overwhelmed and struggled to keep up, and my academic performance began to slip. It was in this moment of despair that I learned there was a spot for me at Elevate Academy, a charter school that offered a hopeful path.
Walking through the doors of Elevate Academy was a revelation. The warm, welcoming environment made all the difference. I reconnected with old friends and found myself surrounded by teachers and mentors who genuinely cared about my success. Their investment in my education reignited my passion for learning and helped me overcome my challenges.
At Elevate Academy, I discovered the power of choice. The school’s mission was clear: to help students find their paths after graduation, whether that meant pursuing college, entering the military, or joining the workforce. With support from dedicated educators, I discovered my passion for criminal justice. Inspired by my teachers, I took an active role in my school community, even helping establish our youth court. I realized I wanted to work in juvenile probation, helping kids like me who often feel that their futures are already chosen for them.
This is what school choice meant for me, the chance to shape my own destiny. Without the opportunity to attend Elevate Academy, I may not be in college today and I would not have the support system that has been crucial to my growth. Instead, I would be lost in a system that did not or could not recognize my potential.
Unfortunately, many Idaho students do not make it off charter school’s waitlists. Low-income and middle-class families in Idaho often do not have access to the same opportunities as affluent families. Idaho families are looking for alternatives that meet their children’s unique needs, whether through charter schools, private institutions, or online learning options.
Yet, despite these needs, the conversation around school choice remains contentious. The recent Idaho Education News article highlights the importance of addressing educational disparities, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic. Low-income and middle-class families deserve the same access to quality education as those from higher-income backgrounds.
We must allow parents to choose schools that align with their values and meet their children’s needs, regardless of socioeconomic status. I urge legislators to stand up for policies that ensure that every child has the chance to pursue their dreams without barriers. School choice meant the world to me, and my hope is that every student in Idaho has access to the options they deserve.
