NT_110917

16 | November 9, 2017 | The Northbrook tower school
northbrooktower.com
GBN students foster community conversations
Submitted by Glenbrook North
Glenbrook North sophomore
Praajna Jain was perched on the
edge of her seat, waiting on stage
as a crowd of nearly 90 community
members gathered to hear
her speak.
Students, parents and village
officials were among those gathered
Oct. 16 at the Northbrook
Public Library to hear Jain and
her peers speak on the topic of
youth stress.
Jain was accompanied by junior
Josh Yang and senior Jennifer
Shin. All three are members
of the Northbrook Youth Commission,
a Village Board-appointed
group of adults and students
who have a strong interest
in the local community.
The purpose of the forum was
to foster conversations between
community members and youth
on stressful topics that are encountered
everyday, said Carla
Martens, Youth Commission
chair.
“By approaching these topics
though a fruitful, civil and public
conversation as moderated by a
professional therapist and as initiated
by a few thoughtful high
school students — willing and
brave enough to take the microphone
— we hope to get to know
each other [and live together]
in more meaningful and maybe
even happier ways,” Martens
told the audience.
After the three students shared
their tips for dealing with the
stresses of school, social media
and self care, the floor was
opened up to the audience for
questions.
Parents and teachers of younger
children thanked the panelists for
sharing their stories. They said
they felt deeply connected to the
topics as they hope to help their
children navigate the Internet,
school and a healthy social life.
Youth forum moderator Audrey Grunst (left) takes the stage Oct. 16 at the Northbrook Public Library
alongside Glenbrook North students Praajna Jain, Josh Yang and Jennifer Shin. Photo Submitted
Jain said it took bravery and
self assurance to get on stage at
the forum.
“I found it challenging because
I was worried about how
people would perceive me,” she
said.
Reflecting on the experience,
Jain said the audience’s positive
feedback helped her realize that
youth should be respected and
valued within the community.
“The Youth Commission is
a place where youth can feel
[those things],” she said. “The
youth forum gives people a way
to reach into that community of
support.”
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