In the News

Take Five with Liz Newman, Mayo High Senior

Ashley Wong

March 29, 2005

Q. Explain SEED and why you joined.

A. SEED for Youth stands for Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity. It is a week-long diversity leadership training workshop in the summer put on by the Minnesota Inclusiveness Project. I went because I have always felt passionately about accepting all people and diversity issues all around. I'll admit that when I went I was so naive, and every now and then I get reminded that I still am.

Q. What have you learned from SEED?

A. "Trust the process." Very few things change quickly and none of them have to do with diversity in our society. Also, you can have all the answers, but if you don't get out there and do something, your answers aren't worth much.

Q. Who do you think has the power in our community?

A. I would say that the most power in this community is held by the Mayo Clinic. Everything in this town revolves around it. The youth could definitely use a louder voice, especially with issues that pertain to us.

Q. Explain the Human Rights Award.

A. The Human Rights Award was presented to me by the Diversity Council and the Olmsted County Human Rights Commission. I received it mostly for my work on the Mayo High School diversity committee. I have never been so honored.

Q. What inspired you to become so involved?

A. Ever since I was a wee child I've had a passion for making sure everyone felt accepted. I never really knew how to channel it until I joined the diversity committee.

Q. Do you believe youth is the voice of America?

A. I believe youth is the voice of where America is going. It's weird to think that the people who are teens now could be the George Bush's and the John Kerry's in 30 years time. Sometimes I worry about where we're headed, but at the same time I'm optimistic of what my peers and I can accomplish.

© 2005 Post Bulletin. Used by permission.

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