Meadowbrook Elementary School: Student Voice: Elif Ozturk

Press release from Meadowbrook Elementary School:

2021-12-15

Elif Ozturk has leaned into her empathetic, critical thinking, and holistic-minded traits to show up as a student representative and advocate. She represents Hopkins students at School Board meetings and she is an advocate for women.

Ozturk has been working with state legislators to create a bill that will fund free feminine products in all Minnesota schools. Her work on the bill would contribute to resolving issues ranging from gender, racial, and educational equity.

“The extent at which periods affect a student's ability to learn, especially when one doesn’t have access to the correct products is substantial,” she said. “My hope is that this legislation will assist many students around Minnesota in beneficial ways.”

In her spare time, she works with Planned Parenthood on sexual reproductive and political education. After high school, one of her goals is to study political science and go to law school.

Why is Student Voice important?
I think it’s important for student’s voices to be heard because we will feel even more invested in our own learning if leaders listen to our preferences, interests, and opinions.

What is the importance of a student representative on the School Board?
Students are directly affected by the decisions of the School Board and the best way to assist in the progress of a school district is to hear the opinions of the actual students. Through this role, I have the opportunity to give real input toward bettering our district on behalf of my fellow scholars.

This press release was produced by Meadowbrook Elementary School. The views expressed here are the author’s own.