Former Leaders
A few words from former HRF officers and members on what the organization meant to them.
Leaders don't wait for "fate to smile on them." - James Kouzes & Barry Posner
Tannah Oppliger, President 2015-2016Human Rights Forum was a little spot of growth in the middle of a boxed-in culture. Born and raised in a same-sex household, I have witnessed the commonplace discrimination and judgment that plagues the lives of millions-- those of color, of different sexual orientation, with disabilities, from different countries, of a certain gender, from certain socioeconomic standings. Of difference. HRF was proof that good-natured, open-minded, accepting and embracing people exist-- and persist. The organization has taught me what it means to be an activist. It has taught me how to defend my beliefs while protecting the beliefs of others. It has taught me to lead and love by example. Most importantly, it has taught me that there is no such thing as a lesser person.
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Mindy Chi, Technical Director 2014-2016"I still remember hearing that enigmatic announcement one day-- "If you're interested in joining the Human Rights Forum, our first meeting will be in _______ after school." I went in intimidated by the name of this club, but quickly realized it was an amazing opportunity to work with dedicated people to make a difference in the world. Always you hear about the problems in the world, and here was my chance to make a small difference. It was an inspiration to see what a small group of kids could do. From spreading awareness about human rights through movies, to running a culture fair, to holding a panel on education and human rights, Human Rights Forum has been an opportunity to make an impact in my international community. It's a big dream to do something like that, and as a member of the Forum you get to be the leader of something great just as a high school student."
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Heeyong Huh, Member 2014-2016"My name is Heeyong Huh, a former Human Rights Forum member. When I was in the Newman Smith High School, Human Rights Forum gave me many great opportunities to learn and participate into serious issues around the world. HRF members participated in cultural fair, world quest, and global summit events. By learning foreign culture and government, I could be a global citizen. Also, HRF work hard to raise a fund for local human rights organizations and shares global issues to students. Join Human Rights Forum and be a future world leader!"
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"Stars in the Sky" painted by Ola for the first ever Education As A Human Right Student-Led Conference.
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Ola Onuoha, Artist-in-Residence 2015-2016"The Human Rights Forum showed me not only the viewpoints that I hold for myself but enlightened me on many points of views that I had not taken into consideration. Having the opportunity to listen to so many seasoned leaders in their field of work, I was able to witness the passion and hard work that goes into protecting and preserving human rights. I became aware of just how many problems still exist in the world today, how many lives are still being threatened by the hands of oppression and poverty, but also how many lives have been improved by those who cared to make a difference elsewhere."
The Human Rights Forum to me is a platform that can never be replaced, an organization, a panel of students willing to use their voices and resources to help the progression of human rights. Everything functions in life because of human rights and without them, the world would be a very inhabitable place for everyone. Having and being apart of the Forum was so important to me as I was able to help spread awareness to those who either didn’t know about them or those who knew about but only cared if they possessed them and not others around the world. The Human Rights Forum for me is the one place I know students need to be at because without the education of simple human mandates and rightful God given amenities, how will we raise a strong nation without a sturdy foundation?” |
Sarah Freeman, Member 2014-2015“At the end of my freshman year at Smith, I joined the Human Rights Forum, inspired by the group’s efforts that semester. In my sophomore year, I started going to the meetings every week, because I enjoyed the serious discussion of world issues and the real progress we were able to make. I approached our teacher sponsor at the time, Ms. Hardy, and together we started an Academic World Quest competition team within the club. I made my own booth for our very first culture fair, about Arabic contributions to science, math, and art. My participation in Human Rights Forum inspired me to study Arabic and pursue the study of economic issues in college, specializing in health and social aid. At my new school the next year, I became deeply involved in Model United Nations, a similar club to the Human Rights Forum, as well as FACES, a cultural diversity awareness group. Human Rights Forum helped me find a new perspective on the world, and gain an understanding of people around the globe. Thanks to this club, its members, and my further pursuits, becoming a world citizen is my primary goal. I am so grateful for everything the Human RIghts Forum brought to my life."
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