Through AJ's Lens

  This reading was incredibly informative. Over the last several years, I have heard the term “neurodivergent” used more and more—in meetings, workshops, and trainings—without always having a clear understanding of what it actually meant. Whenever I tried to ask for clarification, I would often get vague answers or uncomfortable reactions as if I should've already known. Because of that, I appreciated how this reading clearly defined the term and grounded it in real experiences. At the same time, I have always struggled with how casually people use certain terms or claim identities without proper understanding or diagnosis. I appreciated that this reading acknowledges the complexity of neurodivergence while also emphasizing the importance of conversation and professional support. I think it is important for parents and trusted adults in young people’s lives to remind them that they are still growing and developing. Their minds and bodies are constantly changing, and not fully unde...

One of the biggest issues that stood out to me in these readings is how deeply social and political systems affect the daily lives of students and school communities. Both the intro reading,  Kicking ICE Out of Our Schools  and Communities and the Recipes for Resistance reading highlight how schools are no longer just places of learning but spaces where fear and uncertainty can follow students through the door. The idea that children are carrying emergency plans in their backpacks in case their parents are detained is heartbreaking. It forces educators to confront the reality that before students can focus on academics, they need to feel safe, supported, and protected in the environments where they learn. What also stood out was the role educators and communities are taking in resisting these conditions. Schools and teachers are organizing “Know Your Rights” trainings, sanctuary teams, and community communication networks to support families who are living under the cons...