Placer County teens turn real-world issues into language younger readers can understand
ROCKLIN – In Placer County, local teens are using their voice to make a difference by taking on real-world issues and turning them into something kids can understand.
The Placer County Youth Commission is calling for the next generation of leaders to continue their work.
Inside Rocklin's Public Library, a small group of students gathered around a crowded table. They're not just finishing a book, they're rewriting the narrative one page at a time.
"I feel accomplished. It's nice to know that we created something as a group. And something we've worked together for," a student said.
The cartoon-style book is geared toward younger readers, but it carries a meaningful message.
Written by teens, it addresses real-life issues like substance abuse, offering support to kids who may be facing it themselves or know someone who is.
"It's something that I think everyone in the subcommittee is passionate about and has seen first-hand, so it makes it really easy to want to help and want to do more," said Arathana Nagarajah, a junior at Rocklin High School.
Nagarajah is one of 21 high school students serving on Placer County's Youth Commission, a board of students who meet twice a month, advocating for issues like mental health resources, substance abuse prevention and financial literacy.
They also advise county leaders, giving the adults in the room an inside look at what it's like to be a teen in Placer County.
"To be able to have a voice and to be able to put that out there, it's an honor to be able to do that," said Arini Tandon, a junior at Whitney High School.
It's a chance to speak up but also a chance to grow.
"Being able to give youth an opportunity to step up shows them they can do hard things and it also gets them outside of just thinking about just them and so they're thinking about others and just helps build the community for the better," said Alexandra Wride, a Youth Commission adult advisor.
As these students prepare to move on, they're now looking for the next wave of leaders ready to continue their work.
"This gives me a real voice to be able to do something and it's like, really nice because we feel heard," Nagarajah said.
You can get involved in the Youth Commission online.
