Students of Envision is a series that hopes to give the reader a glimpse into the perspectives and realities of our students. Through these stories we aim to show that our kids have even more to offer this world than what they can accomplish in the classroom.
“In my dream life I have my own house, my own property, a nice little garden where I grow my fruits and vegetables, and I have a job that I wake up each morning and look forward to going to. And not just one job, because I want to do so many things. I feel like people shouldn’t have to box themselves into one set career or path in their lives. I enjoy photography, I want to be able to publish my own books, I want to start community outreach programs in cities like Oakland where the teens aren’t really pushed or expected to go down the paths that lead to success.
We are constantly exposed to that cycle of poverty, violence, and incarceration, so I want to create programs that can help break those cycles. In this dream reality of mine I am happy, I am content with life, and even when I do go through obstacles I am able to bounce back from that and not let it keep me down for long.”
— Layeelah Muhammad, Envision Academy