Richard prepared testimony for the Massachusetts legislature in both 2024 and 2023

Richard’s 2024 Statement

My name is Richard and I am a Senior at Chelsea High School. I want to talk about some of the leading issues that causes everyone to struggle in their school life.

Read Richard's 2024 Student StatementOne of the main issues that plagues students is burnout caused by the pressure of always needing to actively prepare for what you’re going to be doing next – never having a chance to settle down and think.

This matters to me personally because I myself am a victim of burnout. I’ve noticed that this is something that not just me, but everyone experiences at some point during grade school, high school, college and afterwards.

Richard’s 2023 Statement

I want to talk with you today about the power differences between students and staff and the importance of student voice in making decisions about our school.

Read Richard's 2023 Students Speak Statement

I think that the authority in general in schools has to change.

Everyday when I go to school, I and many other students are pressured to avoid making mistakes often with the punishments for those mistakes being too vague. This can affect our grades and work and impact us in the long term. Personally, I feel like we are being treated like a herd.  I am an individual, I want guidance and support.