We are continuing 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.
TRIUNA TAYLOR
Hometown: Itta Bena, MS
School: Mississippi University for Women
Major: Public Health
Age: 18
How long have you been a member of MYCouncil (MYC)?
I have been a part of MYC for three years.
Why did you apply to MYC?
I applied to MYC because I saw so many people around me with no knowledge of their bodies, and I knew MYC could help me gain the knowledge I needed to change that.
What do you enjoy most about MYC?
I love how we engage young people and let them know that their voices matter. It makes me happy knowing that I make a difference.
What project has impacted you the most during your time on MYC?
The Lobby Day this year [2016]. It broke my heart to see our bill get shot down. Even though I was so sad about it, it made me work harder. I know that if we got that close, we can definitely make it happen!
What is your vision for sexual education in Mississippi public schools?
COMPREHENSIVE! I want to see medically accurate information, conversations among young people about their bodies, condom demonstrations, information about the services available to them, and a safe learning environment!
What drives your passion for the work you do?
When I see how interested people become when they hear about the work I do, it makes me want to continue to do this. Every time we get a small victory, it makes me feel like I have a purpose.
Has this experience impacted your future career goals?
Because of MYC, I chose to get my degree in public health. I hope to forever be in the fight for reproductive health and rights.