Inspire Shasta, Episode 17: Student Voice — What Young People Want Adults to Hear

Hosts: Maggie Joyce & Jenn CobbGuests:Jacob Garcia, Student Board Member, West Valley High SchoolAbby Deng, Student Board Member, Enterprise High SchoolEmily Rogers, Youth Commission Member, Central Valley High SchoolReese DeCosta, Youth Commission Member, Shasta High School🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this powerful and honest episode of Inspire Shasta, we turn the microphone over to students. Maggie Joyce and Jenn Cobb are joined by SCOE Student Board Members and Youth Commission representatives who share what it’s really like to be a student today—and what they wish adults better understood.From peer pressure and social media to substance use, mental health, and the importance of feeling seen at school, these young leaders speak candidly about the pressures they face and the adults who have made a lasting difference in their lives. Their insights offer a meaningful reminder that student voice isn’t just valuable—it’s essential.🌟 Topics CoveredWhat peer pressure really looks like in 2026—and why it’s often subtle, not explicitHow social media shapes popularity, identity, and mental healthEasy access to substances and the role of education and awareness on school campusesWhy asking for help can be one of the hardest things for students to doThe hidden pressures students carry outside of school—jobs, family responsibilities, and stressWhat genuine support from teachers looks like (and what feels forced or dismissive)How small actions—checking in, listening, noticing—make students feel seenIdeas students would implement as “principal for a day” to improve wellbeingAdvice for middle schoolers who are nervous about starting high schoolCoping strategies that help students stay true to themselvesAdults—teachers, counselors, principals, parents—who have made a lasting impact💬 Memorable Quotes“Peer pressure isn’t always someone telling you to do something. It’s a quiet need to fit in.”“Social media affects everything—what you wear, how you talk, and how popular you are.”“Sometimes the hardest part isn’t needing help—it’s asking for it.”“The teachers who made the biggest difference spoke to me, not at me.”“It only takes one adult to change a student’s life.”🌱 Key Takeaways for Educators & LeadersRelationships matter more than programsStudents notice authenticity immediatelyFlexibility and understanding go a long wayStudent voice leads to real, positive changeSmall moments of connection create lifelong impact❤️ Final ThoughtsThis episode is a reminder that when we truly listen to students, we gain insight, clarity, and direction. Their voices help shape better schools, stronger communities, and more supportive systems for the next generation.