My name is John Salinas, I am a 9th grader at North Hollywood High School. I have been a member of the BRU for 3 months. I decided to participate in Spring Break Take Action because I saw it as a good opportunity to gain and grow from this experience.

Today we learned about the history of the Labor/Community Strategy Center and about all the things that people face today such as oppression, discrimination, and all the different types of racism and the fights people have to put up just to survive.

What I really liked about my first day in the program is how easily I spoke out because normally I am a shy person. I usually do not engage in a conversation I just step back and let other people speak. I'm usually shy because I'm afraid of responding wrong or saying something that I think may not be suitable for the discussion.

But, today, I didn't feel shy at all!  I felt very comfortable talking amongst my fellow peers. The environment is so chill like you don't feel pressured of answering. You also don't have to worry about giving the wrong answer because everyone is listening to your opinion. The topic also really helps since it is very interesting you have so many things to say about it.

I am excited to not feel shy. Now I can finally have a word in discussions and also in the way I talk and interact with people. This will definitely not only help me now but in my future by being able to talk freely. For example taking that interview, saying no to whatever the situation may be, or even with the ladies lol.

I am most definitely excited to go out on the buses tomorrow because I really hope to apply my skills that I have acquired in one day into my daily life and see how it will turn out.