Editor’s note: The SHIFT Chronicles is a new monthly feature dedicated to amplifying student voices, where those most impacted by the public education system share their thoughts, reflections, and experiences. In collaboration with FaithBridge SHIFT fellows, these commentaries offer a genuine glimpse into the challenges students are facing within our city’s schools. These students represent a diverse range of schools across the city, each with distinct cultures and expectations, yet all united under the DPS banner. A special thank you to all the student writers who contributed their entries.
In this month’s entries, students discuss how to improve learning environments, and how they practice self-care during breaks from school.
Adriana Madera, junior, North High School
The first thing that would improve a learning environment is space. From what I’ve seen some people just need space, silence, and solidarity to do certain activities/assignments in school.
Secondly, contrasting my first statement, I’d say support. Many students thrive in environments where they are constantly checked on. Students sometimes need someone to make them feel like they are doing well or that they’re doing enough.
Lastly, learning environments could improve if teachers and students actually had a relationship where a teacher is trusted, and a student is comfortable talking to them.
Wrapping up this semester has been stressful and honestly really hard. I’m currently studying for finals and preparing to enroll in concurrent enrollment classes next semester. This semester has been really difficult, both emotionally and physically, and I haven’t done my best these few weeks. I am not on track, which is super frustrating and not an expectation.
Although I am not in the best place academically, I have figured out a plan with my teachers, school counselors, and emotional counselors. I have been working extra hard this last month to improve myself and to be the best I can be.
I have recently asked for more help and advice from my teachers to get back on track. This last holiday break I caught up on a lot of my online classes and on my in-person classes that I have fallen behind in.
Although academics are important, so is my mental health. I’ve been hanging around my family a lot more and I have been connecting with them as well. I’ve been going out with my friends whenever I feel lonely. I’d like to say I’ve improved a lot recently for my own mental health and my academic future.
Alazay Jaime, junior, Destinations Career Academy of Colorado
As students, the traditional subjects we study are important, but they don’t always prepare us for real life challenges.
What if schools offered more practical subjects? Things like personal budgeting, mental health management, and even basic legal knowledge. These are the topics we’ll actually need when we step out into the real world, but they’re not always included in the standard curriculum.
I believe students would feel more confident knowing they’re learning things that truly matter in their lives.
Another thing students could benefit from is better access to mental health resources and more opportunities to take breaks throughout the day. Having dedicated spaces or schedules where we can relax or talk to a counselor would help reduce stress and burnout. Schools could also add regular mental health days to help us stay focused and maintain our well-being.
Additionally, schools could provide more personalized learning support for students who learn at different paces. Offering individualized learning or extra help when needed would ensure that all students succeed. I believe a lot of students fall behind due to a lack of one-on-one attention or help from teachers in class. This would help every student feel supported regardless of their learning style.
As the first semester comes to an end, most of us are already thinking ahead to next semester. For some students it’s about graduation, and for others it’s about reaching their next milestone. For me, success looks like staying on track to graduate early, in December 2025.
With all A’s and B’s so far, I feel confident that I’m heading in the right direction. The love and support I’ve received from my counselor and family has been amazing and I’ve made it my priority to stay organized and focused.
During the holidays, I always look forward to visiting my hometown Los Angeles. It’s a nice feeling being able to reconnect with family and take the weight of school off my shoulders. My close friends and I also make sure to make time for all of us to get together. Since we all go to different schools now, it’s a special moment where we catch up and enjoy each other’s company.
I believe that prioritizing my mental health is just as essential. Often, we don’t realize how exhausted we become during the school year, and the time off should be used to rest and appreciate all the hard work we’ve put in.
Jada Pulsipher, junior, East High School
During break and in the holiday season, the most important thing I do for the wellness of the people who are important to me is check in and spend quality time with them.
My friends and family uplift and encourage me to do my best in all aspects of life. To me, the most valuable thing is to do the same for them. This looks like checking in with those people to let them know I am here for them, even though we aren’t seeing each other regularly.
Over break and during the holidays everyone is out of town and sending a short text is all it takes to show your support and that you are thinking of someone. It can be as straightforward as asking them how they are really doing and if there is anything in their lives I can help them with. Or it can be more casual like asking what they did for Thanksgiving or talking about each other’s Christmas list.
The second thing that I do is more geared toward my family. I try to spend as much quality time with my family as possible. People overcomplicate quality time. I can spend quality time with my two younger brothers by just playing a card game in the living room or simply having good conversations with my family over dinner.
Similarly, to ensure that I stay well, I spend quality time on myself. I make time to do the things that I love to do and take care of my own needs. The end of the first semester of school is the worst: Finals are just around the corner, I have a big competition coming up, and the sun is never out.
These stresses have crept into my dreams; my physics final and my future are stuck in my subconscious making it hard to not get burnt out. Mine and many other students’ lifeline is Thanksgiving break. Finally, everything slows down and students get a moment to reset.
However, a lot of people use these breaks poorly and I’ve found myself doing the same. It’s easy to lie in bed, sinking into the never-ending Instagram reels. To get out of this loop, I literally just get out of bed and clean my room. This sets me up for a good day where I can be more productive and use my time effectively.
As school has gotten harder, and I’m in my junior year, I don’t have as much time as I used to. Over break I try my best to get away from social media and technology, to do the things I truly love doing. I’ve started to journal again, read new books, and got back into art.
Doing the things that I love to do is my form of self-care. Prioritizing my wellness and self-care allows me to show up as a good community member, family member, and friend.
Lawrence Thomas, junior, Colorado Early Colleges of Aurora
I believe students need three key things to improve their learning environments.
First, students need opportunities to engage with local professionals through internships or mentorships. These should not only include professionals in STEM, but also those in trades, arts, and any other career to show what their future might look like.
These opportunities help students develop real-world skills, build networks, explore careers, and motivate and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
Secondly, scholarship opportunities help students get closer to achieving their dreams. Removing the financial barrier that restricts and holds back many students creates access to higher education and other pathways.
Lastly, thorough and inclusive mental health resources are needed as high school can be stressful and challenging, especially going into the critical junior/senior year. Having school counselors and mental health support ensures that students thrive not just in classrooms but outside them.
Success in the next school semester isn’t just passing classes, although that is great. I want to walk away with meaningful takeaways and learn something that isn’t only useful in school but also in life.
I want to challenge myself and accomplish academic goals. Success for me also means feeling more empowered and ready to continue pushing to the ultimate goal of graduating. I’m on track to graduate in 2026 and my main priorities are passing my classes, taking the SATs, deciding on my plans after high school, and enjoying my unique high school experience.
Encouragement and ongoing opportunities to engage with different organizations and communities are the most significant sources of support for me as I prepare for next semester.
Staying physically, mentally, and emotionally active during breaks is important to me. For my physical health, I try to exercise, eat healthy, play sports, and drink water, but sometimes it’s a struggle.
For emotional health, I make sure to spend time with my family, like watching movies, playing games, or just hanging out with them. I learn new skills, explore different hobbies, or play strategy and puzzle games to keep my mind active.
