I have been a part of the Model UN (MUN) program at my high school for four years and have debated global issues in front of many large audiences. I have been Chief of Staff and USG (Under Secretary General) in this program. However, being a leader of Meaningful Debates has further exposed me to how very important it is for our youth to have a voice in this world. Working with people every month to debate important and current topics has been illuminating and rewarding. I have learned a tremendous amount from MUN and how to speak on behalf of those who can’t speak for themselves, but through Meaningful Debates we all listen and learn from each other. It’s been a wonderful experience.

I am so thankful to be a leader of Meaningful Debates. I am in my fourth year of Model UN (MUN) at my high school where I debate world topics on a regular basis. The Meaningful Debates program has taught me so much beyond my extensive debate experience in MUN. Through this program, I have furthered my belief that everyone deserves to be heard. Every opinion matters. Every idea can grow into another idea, another conversation. With social media overpowering our youth, this platform breaks the silence of learning and developing on our own. It’s expansive and collaborative and that is meaningful.

I am thrilled to be a part of this organization because as a child of immigrant parents, I hear all the stories of what children in other countries experience. I believe it is my duty to be able to help those children who lack resources and be a mentor for them. I want these children to feel empowered that they're limitless and that they're capable of achieving any dreams they have. Additionally, being able to provide an effective education for these children has always been a dream of mine, therefore, I hope to be an inspiration for these kids.

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to different countries with my family and immerse myself in other cultures. It has opened my eyes to many different ways of living and struggles that come along with it. Learning how crucial, yet sometimes difficult it is to have the opportunity to learn how to speak english clearly has inspired me to start a chapter at Meaningful Teens. This organization allows me to mentor and help those less fortunate to improve their english speaking skills which will hopefully allow them many opportunities for a brighter future.

Many members of my family have been public school teachers and administrators during the last 50 years in Mexico and the U.S. One example is my great grandfather who started as a teacher and became a principal at a school in a rural area of Guanajuato, Mexico. Of his 12 children, 6 became teachers. As I have grown up, I have listened to my aunts and uncles discussing their joy at helping their students have access to education. Several years ago, I decided to continue the legacy of my family by volunteering with specials needs students in my community. The experience taught me how fortunate I am and motivated me to help others who have had different lives. Meaningful Teens is a way for me to help a larger group of under served students with math and literacy skills which I believe will help them achieve a higher level of success in their education and lives.

My parents, who grew up in India, immigrated to the US and successfully built their life here thanks to a strong educational background. Coming from a family who values education highly, I have the same values and I am fortunate to have access and support to get an excellent education. Unfortunately, this is not true for kids in many cases. Due to many reasons, children struggle to gain access to a good education or a good support structure to help them be successful. Understanding the purpose behind the Meaningful Teens organization and the amazing things the volunteers have done to serve their community has been very motivating and has encouraged me to participate. My goal is to help provide aid with academics to younger students in my community to help them excel. Through our new program, the Nexus Project, we plan to push for this growth and be the change within the students’ lives.

I am excited to be a part of Meaningful Teens because I am passionate about working with kids and helping our communities. From my experience, I know helping kids gain academic confidence will help bolster self-esteem and provide the motivation and joy to keep learning. I enjoy seeing kids grow as student and their enthusiasm and willingness to learn inspires me to be a better student and teacher. Thank you Meaningful Teens!

"What makes us who we are today, is not only because of our talent but the advantage of enjoying a dividend of peace. We shall promise to extend it broadly to all. We will find joys and meaning while on the path."

I’m Simryn Regehr and I am a 17 year old Senior in high school. I enjoy rock climbing, reading, baking, and listening to music. I have been tutoring with meaningful teens since spring of 2021. Being able to help students excel and learn has been so exciting. I can’t wait to continue tutoring!

Hello! My name is Dedan Kaggio and I’m a 16 year old Junior. I like playing the piano, learning spanish, and practico by martial arts. I started helping out with Meaning full teams in the fall of 2021, and I haven’t stopped since :)

I'm Victoria Ma, a freshman in the San Francisco Bay Area. I am passionate about teaching young kids to help them learn and improve. I am an avid reader and science lover, and in my free time, I love to paint and play basketball. I have been working with Meaningful Teens since June 2022, and I am eager to use my experience to reach more people.