Great leaders and politicians often times have to overcome great adversity in order to achieve the desired outcome. Gandhi, King, and Mandela faced many great societal challenges but they were still able to inspire and instill change. Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” It has never been my wish to challenge the authority at school. It would have been much easier and more effective to have had the administration working alongside rather than against me. But at times it has been my only recourse. It has not been easy to create change and inspire intellectual debate on campus, as the culture at Sage is not conducive for it. It has always been a desire of mine to do what is in the best interest of you, the students.

This past week, I met with members of the California State Assembly and the Senate to discuss enacting legislation that mandates that all public California high schools offer vocational training in computer science. The positive feedback I received was overwhelming. With the backing of members of the state legislature, I am certain that our schools will evolve at the same rate that our world is. With artificial intelligence, autonomous cars, and Chatbot just around the corner, we must be cognizant of this and adapt quickly; that’s why I took action. Local companies like ViaSat are counting on a new direction. An understanding must be reached between our Superintendent Dr. Churchill and local businesses to support and help fund a comprehensive computer science pathway at Sage Creek. In my discussion with the Superintendent, I believe that our goals are aligned. The benefits to our community far outweigh the costs. Even though I will no longer be a Bobcat next year, I will continue to do what I can to ensure that Sage Creek’s goals are aligned with those of our community.

You’re probably wondering, why don’t other students at Sage do the same? Frankly, the administrators and teachers take great pride in creating conforming citizens, to the extent that our freedom of speech can be stifled. A considerable amount of time and resources are spent creating kind “Bobcats.” But at what cost?

A huge opportunity cost. I believe that it’s the job of parents to instill manners and kindness into their children, and it is the job of our schools to prepare us for life by teaching the necessary life skills for success in this dynamic world of ours. The most sought after job skill by employers and probably the greatest precursor to success in life is your ability to problem solve. How do I know? I talk to visionaries. I ask and I read. Just the other day I stood outside the Headquarters of Salesforce.com on Fremont and Mission in San Francisco where I asked 30 employees what they believe made them successful. The overwhelming response was critical thinking and problem solving skills. Those traits can be developed through open expression that must be encouraged, not suppressed. We should be praised, not rebuffed, when we have a different perspective. So I ask, are the teachers cognizant of this and have they realigned their course plans to reflect this? To some extent, but more can be done. The “genius project” is a great start.

The good news is change is finally coming. Stand up with me and let our voices be heard. That’s why AFLAC is so important. One hundred plus students wanting to make a difference standing together with one message, “Let’s work together.” I’ve tried and I will never give up. I have on at least four occasions addressed these and other issues with the board of directors at the Carlsbad Unified School District, had private discussions with the Superintendent, and met on various occasions with assemblymen and members of the Education committee at our State Capital. I brought computer science to the school, but I am not done.

It certainly takes more than one course to be proficient in coding. Also, I am working on a bill today to make our schools safer. By safer I mean a place where students with opposing viewpoints are not ostracized but rather encouraged. Thankfully, the feedback I got from six legislators, while up in Sacramento, concerning teacher accountability was encouraging. Be strong, have a plan, and never lose hope. We will win, we will get a computer science pathway and students will be allowed to critique, judge and thoroughly analyze issues on campus.  It always seems impossible until it’s done but change is on its way.