Do you know what happens when a kid acts out and just gets suspended? That’s what happens—they leave school frustrated, angry, or unsupported. Some kids break laptops, throw chairs, break glass, throw rocks, or wander home by themselves late at night with no parent intervention. This is separate from kids who walk home safely; these students face neglect, lack of guidance, and unsafe situations. Suspending them does not teach them how to manage their emotions or deal with their problems, and it doesn’t give them the guidance or skills they need to grow.

Many families struggle with neglect, poor nutrition, or lack of opportunities. Kids are left without guidance, meals, or safe spaces to release energy, and that can impact the rest of their lives, shaping how they cope with challenges, emotions, and relationships.

We need to understand that just therapy alone is not enough. Many kids won’t sit quietly, talk about their feelings, or apologize for their actions. But we can change that if we meet them where they are, make it engaging, and give them safe ways to release frustration while learning positive skills.

I dream of creating a recreational center where kids feel no judgment, where they can make friends, express themselves, and be guided toward positive paths in life. Kids could have one-on-one basketball sessions with a coach or mentor while talking about family, their feelings, or challenges. Others could participate in writing workshops, art projects, dance, or other activities they love, while learning that making better choices is the best way forward. Kids would also have access to nutritional food and supportive staff, giving them stability and care alongside fun and expression. The goal is not just to correct behavior, but to help kids understand themselves, manage emotions, and grow into confident, responsible individuals.

I am graduating early, and I want to start making a difference now. I want to raise money and help make this dream a reality. My goal for the future is to have a career helping others while using my passions for art and psychology to improve my community. I want to create safe, supportive spaces where kids can learn to manage their emotions, express themselves, and build meaningful connections with others.

We have the power to make schools and communities safer, to give students tools to cope with life, and to break the cycle of destructive behavior. Do we want kids to keep being suspended and left alone, repeating the same mistakes? Or do we want to help them grow, learn, and thrive? Every student deserves guidance, support, and a chance to succeed—not just punishment.

It’s time to give Philly kids real outlets through sports, art, writing, dance, and activities, with guidance, care, and opportunities to thrive. Let’s turn frustration into growth, neglect into support, and unsafe behavior into confidence and skill.