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Moses Moody reflects on high school poem “He Beat the Streets.”

Like a rose blooming through the cracks in concrete, some young people manage to blossom and thrive despite facing systemic barriers and adversities. For those growing up in historically marginalized communities of color, the odds are stacked against them from birth – underfunded schools, lack of resources, generational poverty, racial discrimination. It can feel like an impenetrable concrete jungle.

However, with the support of caring mentors, coaches, and extended family, the trajectory can shift. A dedicated school social worker, for example, can be a lifeline – ensuring basic needs are met, connecting families to services, and bearing witness to students’ self-determination.