Over the next few months, we will be running features on our Mississippi Youth Council (MYCouncil) members. MYCouncil is made up of 10 passionate youth activists from across Mississippi that support and promote high-quality comprehensive sex education for all young people. They work to ensure that young people have a voice in the debate around what gets taught in Mississippi schools. Follow MYCouncil on Facebook.

COURTNEY SIMMONS

Hometown: Grenada, MS
School: University of Mississippi
Major: Psychology
Age: 22

1.       How long have you been a member of MYCouncil (MYC)? This is my first year as a member of MYCouncil.

2.       Why did you apply to MYC? I applied to MYCouncil because I thought it would be a great opportunity to impact Mississippi in a positive way in regards to education and health.

3.       What do you enjoy most about MYC? I enjoy giving presentations on the current state of sex ed in Mississippi and the work MYCouncil is doing to better the state. For example, most people don’t know that condom demonstrations are illegal. As a MYCouncil member, I get to educate people on the current sex ed law and how it can be harmful to youth. The work of MYCouncil invigorates me.

4.       What project has impacted you the most during your time on MYC? I believe presenting at the Teach For America Summit in Cleveland, Mississippi, impacted me the most. Hearing Mississippi teachers’ opinions and experiences firsthand really helped me to understand why we do what we do for the teens of Mississippi.

5.       What is your vision for sexual education in Mississippi public schools? My ultimate goal for Mississippi public schools is that students will receive the information they need to be able to make informed decisions about their own sexual health.

6.       What drives your passion for the work you do? I have full confidence that students will make better choices if they have the knowledge to do so, so getting them that knowledge fuels the work I’m doing with MYCouncil.

7.       Has this experience impacted your future career goals? I never considered a career in public health or education, but now I am working in a local school and I am considering looking into public health careers in the future!

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