Once-shy student confident she can make a difference
BRIDGES has been working with young people in Memphis for more than 90 years. Today, with its Bridge Builders program, Bridges inspires thousands of diverse youths from different socio- economic backgrounds across the Mid-South each year, helping them appreciate differences, strengthen leadership and individuality and encouraging them to work for change in their communities. They are empowered to reach across, lead the way and build our community.
Aylen Mercado, 16, is a rising junior at White Station High School. She started her BRIDGES journey as a sixth grader in the Future Builders program. In addition to Bridge Builders and school, she’s involved with the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, the Tennessee Refugee Rights Coalition, Worker’s Interfaith Network and the Nashville-based Worker’s Dignity. She likes to incorporate art and photography with her advocacy work.
How did Bridge Builders transform you?
Before Bridge Builders, I was really shy. To introduce myself to strangers was completely out of the norm to me. After a few days into the summer conference, I found myself laughing, dancing and singing along with strangers that I soon called friends.
What is something you learned about your fellow Bridge Builders that surprised you?
I was amazed to find that other students were shy at first as well. In the few days that we had with one another, we grew so much. The once-shy students all showed their inner leadership skills.
What did you learn about yourself that most surprised you?
In a trust fall, I learned that I could open myself to trust my peers to catch me before I fell.
If you had the opportu- nity to address any Memphis leader, who would it be and what would you say to them?
I would speak to the leaders of our school system. Recently, I’ve heard from students that there are plans to cut some languages taught in schools. I have the opportunity to learn another language at school, so why shouldn’t other students in the future have the same opportunity?
How are you using the beliefs and values you’ve learned at Bridge Builders in your daily life?
In Bridge Builders, we learned about a lot of important topics like diversity and environmental sustainability. I think that overall, the goal is to continue learning, and I cherish that value. I try my best to learn about things and I encourage others to do the same.
What change can you and others like you bring about today?
We can bring about positive change. You can never have enough positive change these days.