🟡 Yellow Sprint Perspectives

Perspectives

Directions: Click through the four different stories to read and listen to their story. Each voice offers a unique perspective on the same issue. As you move through them, pay attention to what matters most to each individual.

MALIK'S VOICE

MR. RIVERA'S VOICE

NURSE JACKSON'S VOICE

MS. CARTER'S VOICE

MS. CARTER | Special Education Teacher

When the Healthy Futures Initiative came to our school, I thought maybe, finally, my students would get to be part of something. They were so excited. We talked about fruits and steps and how everyone could help each other be healthy. For a moment, it felt like hope.But then the same things started happening. The lessons were made for kids who could run, jump, read fast, and follow along easily. There was nothing about what to do when your body moves differently, or when you need extra time. One of my students, James, uses a wheelchair. He’s also overweight from his medication, and he wanted so badly to do the step challenge. We counted his chair pushes instead. He smiled so big when he got his number. Then another child told him it didn’t count. I watched his face fall, and he didn’t come back the next week. Another student, Maya, has autism and gets anxious when the room is noisy. She loved learning about food but cried when the group got too loud. Her mom told me she stopped asking to go. I know this program means well, but it breaks my heart to watch kids who already feel different start to believe that “healthy” doesn’t include them. They want to be part of it; every single one of them. We just have to make space where they already are.

NURSE JACKSON | SCHOOL NURSE

When the Healthy Futures Initiative started, I was hopeful. Finally, something proactive that's helping kids before the ER visits, before the chronic problems. It looked good on paper: healthy habits, family involvement, teachers on board. For a minute, it felt like we might be changing the story. But then I saw who actually showed up. The same families we always see...the ones with cars, flexible jobs, and time. And the ones who needed it most? Nowhere to be found. Again. I’ve got students with diabetes trying to balance blood sugar while everyone else is counting steps. Kids skipping insulin because the snack options aren’t right for them. Families who can’t read the flyers because they’re only in English. And foster kids who don’t even know who’s supposed to sign their permission slips. We call this “community health,” but when half the community can’t access it, what are we really doing? I’m tired of programs that sound great at meetings but collapse in real life. These kids don’t need more initiatives...they need inclusion, trust, and a system that sees them. Until that happens, all the fruit salads in the world won’t fix this.

Malik's Voice | Child's Perspective

When the Healthy Futures Club started, I was really happy. They said we’d make healthy snacks and play games and maybe go to the zoo. I even thought it would help me run faster at recess!Sometimes kids make jokes about my belly when we play kickball. I laugh a little, but it hurts. Mom says I’m growing strong, but I still feel slow. So I wanted to do the club to get healthy and not feel different. The first week was fun. We made fruit salad, and everyone got a sticker for our steps. I stuck mine right on my backpack. I wanted to show Mom I could do it. But then she had to work late, and Grandma’s knees hurt, so she couldn’t come with me. The teacher said we had to bring a grown-up. I waited by the door that day, but no one came, so I went home. After that, I didn’t go anymore. Jayden told me they went to the zoo and got more stickers. I was happy for him, but kinda sad too. Sometimes I still see the paper in my notebook with all the smiling kids and apples and jump ropes. I just wish someone had asked how to help kids like me come too. I would’ve tried really hard.

MR. RIVERA | Parent's Perspective

When the school sent home that flyer for the Healthy Futures Club, my daughter was so happy. She loves to dance and said, “Papi, we’re going to be healthy together!” I smiled, but the paper was all in English. I can read some, but not enough to understand everything. My sister helped me fill it out, but by the time I turned it in, they said the club was already full. We move around a lot. Rent keeps going up, and sometimes we stay with my cousin for a while. It’s hard to keep track of what school is doing what. I want my kids to be part of things, but when programs cost money or need rides, it gets tricky. My car broke last month, and the bus doesn’t go near the rec center. My daughter’s asthma makes it harder too. The last time she went, she got tired fast, and I worried the teachers didn’t know how to help. She said the other kids ran ahead and she felt slow. When she told me she didn’t want to go anymore, she looked sad, like she thought it was her fault. I just wish someone had called. Not to scold or remind, just to ask how they could make it work for us. We want to be part of things. We just need someone to see how much effort it takes to keep showing up.