“After setting up our table, high school students, teachers, and other adult conference participants began to approach us. Most students looked uneasy and nervous. Their body language and how they dressed communicated that they don’t always fit in at school — these weren’t athletes, cheerleaders, or student body officers. Some were alone (or felt alone), reminding us how awkward and lonely high school can be until one finds their place. The button maker and beads broke the ice. We connected with students who visited three or four times to make something. One girl in particular hung out half the morning because she heard us speaking Spanish. She was looking for someone like her in the room and felt at home when she found us. She shared how her family is from Mexico, she’ll be the first in her family to go to college in the fall, and loves animals. She felt comfortable enough to joke around and banter by the end of the morning. Another boy loved the beadwork so much he’s planning to visit the Gonzales ideaLAB and is interested in summer jobs for teens. We also gave away a Moleskine notebook at lunchtime and the winner was thrilled to take it home.”
