Leading Change Through Youth Action for Health Leadership by Aaliyah L.
Hello, my name is Aaliyah and I am currently a senior at Stilwell High School. I have been involved in Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), a program of Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, for four years and have served on the Leadership Team for three years. I joined Youth Action for Health Leadership because I wanted to make a difference in my school and community while also stepping outside my comfort zone.
Through my experience in Youth Action for Health Leadership, I have had the opportunity to grow as a leader and advocate. One of the most impactful experiences I have had was attending Day at the Capitol, where I met with Oklahoma state legislators to discuss the needs of youth in my community. I met with Senator Tom Woods and Representative David Hardin, who represent my area, and I also had the opportunity to connect with Representative Tim Turner. Speaking with these leaders gave me valuable insight into how policies are created and how they can impact schools and communities across Oklahoma. It showed me that youth voices matter and that we have the power to influence decisions that affect our future.
In addition to meeting with legislators, I have worked with several organizations in my community to raise awareness about important health issues. I have spoken with groups such as the Kiwanis Club, local law enforcement and the Adair County officer team. These experiences have helped me build confidence and improve my public speaking skills while also allowing me to share important information about youth health.
I am especially passionate about the CounterAct Tobacco and Elevate Student Health campaigns. Through CounterAct Tobacco, I have given presentations to middle school students about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarette use. This work is important to me because I come from a close-knit family, and I want to protect my younger siblings and other youth from the harms of tobacco. Too often, tobacco products like vapes are easy for youth to access. That is why I support policies that hold retailers accountable and help prevent underage access to these products.
Through Elevate Student Health, I have also learned about the importance of access to healthy food, physical activity and clean drinking water in schools. These are basic needs that can have a major impact on how students feel, learn and succeed.
Youth Action for Health Leadership has helped me find my voice and use it to advocate for change. I am proud to be part of a program that empowers youth to speak up, take action and create healthier communities. I hope to continue using what I have learned to make a lasting difference in my school, my community and across Oklahoma.
