Abby is a rising sophomore at Andover High School and Calvin is a rising junior at Quincy High School. This summer they participated in ACDC’s SLA program along with other youth in the Greater Boston area to learn about Asian communities and experiences.

About Abby and Calvin

What do you like to do in your free time?

Abby: I like to swim, go shopping, and hang out with my friends.

Calvin: I like to play video games and listen to music.

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show?

Abby: My favorite movie is Another Cinderella Story with Selena Gomez.

Calvin: My favorite movie is CZ12.

What is your favorite traditional food from your culture?

Abby: I’m half Chinese, so from that side of my family I get to eat soup dumplings, which I love.

Calvin: My favorite traditional food from my culture is BBQ pork.

What are some of your favorite places in the city?

Abby: I like going to Quincy Market in Boston and eating at Ocean Prime nearby. That area is probably my favorite place to visit.

Calvin: My favorite places in the city would have to be B-Cafe and Yocha in Quincy.

SLA

How did you learn about SLA? What inspired you to apply to the program?

Abby: My mom learned about SLA through a family friend, and she encouraged me to sign up. I live in a town where kids are mostly white. Through SLA, I could learn more about my cultural background and history, and to meet more Asian people my age.

Calvin: I heard about SLA from my cousin, and my interest in racial justice inspired me to apply to the program.

What are you currently learning about or working on?

Abby: We recently learned about gentrification and community development, with guest speakers sharing their knowledge and insight on these topics. Jung Shen, an A-VOYCE youth alumni, showed us different parts of Chinatown, what Chinatown was like before it became gentrified, and the backstory on changes in the neighborhood. 

Before, I had no clue about what was going on in Chinatown because I just go there to hang out with family or friends, and I never knew the history of the neighborhood. I’m really grateful for learning all of this through SLA.

Calvin: I’m currently learning about how people are being oppressed in society.

What has been your favorite part of SLA so far?

Abby: The breakout rooms where we split up into smaller groups has been my favorite part. I love talking to the other kids about their experience and what they know about Boston.

Calvin: My favorite part of SLA is meeting new people from different places in Massachusetts that I would not have the opportunity to meet without SLA.

What have you learned or gained from collaborating with other SLA youth?

Abby: I learned that even though we don’t live near each other or come from the same families, we have similar experiences. We have similar stories to share. 

Calvin: I’ve learned a lot about why Asians are being targeted for attacks and how this situation should be counteracted.

Did you find that reflecting on your experiences and sharing them through various mediums was beneficial? Why or why not?

Abby: Reflecting on and sharing my experiences has been beneficial because I’m able to realize the depth in my story and expand on who I am as an Asian American.

Calvin: Yes, reflection definitely contributed to my opinions towards different issues.

How have books, movies, TV shows, social media or other forms of media shaped your identity?

Abby: I’m a teenager, so my life revolves around social media and it’s where I get most of my information about the world. Social media feels like a part of my identity because I use it a lot and everyone around me is so active in using it.

Calvin: Through these outlets, I learned what an oppressive society is and showed the big picture of it and long term impacts.

Part of this year’s SLA focus is building your capacity as a creative storyteller. What role do you think storytelling plays in activism?

Abby: I think storytelling informs us about diverse experiences and the human aspect of issues we’re fighting for. The stories we share and document can help us learn how to make positive changes for the community.

Calvin: Storytelling allows for informational and persuasive talk from personal experience.

Why should youth be involved in conversations about social issues? What makes the youth perspective important?

Abby: Youth are the future. Those who are adults now won’t be around as long as we will. Young people have a different perspective compared to older generations because what’s going on now will continue to impact us as we get older. We aren’t just watching from the margins - we have a stake in this fight, too.

Calvin: Young people should be involved in these conversations because they are the future generation that will shape how society will be. The youth perspective is unique because they have access to advanced technology, which makes sharing information easier.

Do you think some institutions have disadvantaged certain communities? If so, what can be done to address this?

Abby: I think some institutions definitely do give certain communities disadvantages. I think we should fight back, explain why, and just fight until the change happens because change doesn’t happen overnight.

Calvin: Yes, and sharing about this will increase awareness.