"You are the catalysts for change, the voices that advocate, and the hands, the minds, and the feet that build a better tomorrow."
- Stephanie Thompson, FMS Board President
Welcoming message to the students participating in January 26’s Student Voices Leadership Day. This special event brought together 76 students from Esperanza Elementary School, Tibbetts Middle School, and Farmington and Rocinante high schools.
Ya’at’eeh! Shí éí Stephanie Thompson yinishyé. Tachiinii nishłį́. Kinlichiinii bashishchiin. Bitahnii dashicheii. Hashk’aa hadzohi dashinalí. Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį́.
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Student Voices!
I am Stephanie Thompson, Board President/School Board Member of FMS, and I am the oldest daughter of a proud military veteran who served our country for many years. I’ve had the unique opportunity of calling many places “home.”
Living in different cities and states taught me the value of diversity and the beauty of coexistence. As a young girl with a unique voice, I’ve always dealt with the challenge of trying to belong. Adversity became a familiar part of my journey.
It was during those transformative high school years that life presented me with a challenge in a history class.
As I sat there, the teacher casually mentioned AP History. I took a pause and thought, “Why can’t I be in that AP history class?”
Gaining entry (or access) into that class meant more than acing a test or fitting a mold. It involved walking up to the guidance counselor’s door and making a case for myself – a pivotal moment, it was the first sales pitch of my life.
"Mr. Noon," I said, "I may not know every date or detail of the Civil War yet, but give me an opportunity in that AP class, and I assure you I'll be the student who asks, who learns, and who challenges."
And it worked, I got a seat in that AP class. That was the day I learned the power of my own voice. Not waiting for an opportunity, not afraid of the words “no” or “not yet”.
Sometimes, all you need is that one teacher, coach, advocate, one guidance counselor who nods in agreement and makes you realize that inside of you lies not just potential, but a strength, an energy that amplifies who you are.
If history has taught us anything, it's that every great story begins with someone daring to take that first step. Advocating for myself, for that seat in that class, marked the true beginning of my journey into advocacy.
Fast forward, a summer internship introduced me to the wonders of engineering.
But first, I found myself in the challenging world of chemistry. There I was, trying to unravel the mysteries of molecules and compounds, believing that this was my path.
But it was during the later part internship, that I had an opportunity to tour a power plant. It was there, among the roaring turbines and the intricate maze of pipes, that I felt the irresistible pull of engineering.
The pulverizers, the heat exchangers, the scrubbing mechanisms… oh my – they were symphonies of systems, design, and function, the very heartbeats of innovation. It was like a light bulb moment, only this bulb was powered by a massive generator.
I realized engineering went beyond machines and designs. It was problem-solving, innovation, and creating a better, more efficient future.
I decided to confront this new challenge directly. I submerged myself in the rigorous world of mechanical engineering.
But life never stops testing and challenging us, does it? Charging forward on who I was to become, I was met with skeptical voices suggesting engineering wasn’t "suited" for me, pushing me in another direction. It’s quite remarkable how, at times, the world’s doubt serves as a catalyst, fueling the strength of our determination.
Years of sleepless nights and pure grit culminated in a moment that no one could take away— a degree, my degree earned in Mechanical Engineering. Achieving that degree was a win for individuals who have the courage to challenge the status quo beyond the expectations set by society.
From a curious intern standing awe-struck in a power plant to a proud graduate, my journey was paved with challenges, but ultimately, an unwavering determination to succeed.
It was another testament that sometimes, our paths aren't linear—they may zigzag or may look like a spaghetti chart, those detours, allow us to embrace a growth mindset.
I’ve been with an engineering company for 18 years, where part of my job is to guide young professionals toward key engineering positions.
There was another thread in life pulling me into a new chapter, a chapter where I wanted to give back, I wanted to make a difference.
I have been on the Board of Education of Farmington Municipal Schools as a school board member since 2019.
In this new chapter as a school board member, I aspire for every student to feel that their voices, your voices, are not only heard but valued, that students matter, students belong, you matter, you belong.
It is essential to me, that in my role as a school board member that the district provides you (as the students) with opportunities while meeting social and emotional needs.
My role as a school board member, as a Navajo/Dine woman engineer… represents a mirror —that one can rise above challenges, that voice matters, and that someone like me, like you, belongs in every room, in every seat where decisions are made.
As I share my personal journey, I hope to remind everyone that true strength lies in embracing diversity and celebrating every individual in our society. My experiences have taught me the beauty of coexistence and the importance of actively choosing to promote inclusivity. I believe that by working together to embrace our differences and celebrate our unique qualities, we can appreciate each other's unique perspectives and backgrounds.
Your presence here speaks volumes today about who we are as a school community—one that values diversity, cares deeply about student's experiences, and aims to amplify every voice.
Let's make today a milestone in our journey toward a culture that truly celebrates each one of us.
Each of you embodies the beauty of the coexistence of our school community, making learning spaces dynamic and inclusive.
The strides made by our Student Equity Councils are commendable.
Your initiatives are paving the way for an equitable future in education.
Your efforts are a testament to the power of inclusivity.
Let's keep championing and celebrating our diversity, for it is in our unique experiences and ideas that our greatest strength lies. We are on a quest for equity and inclusivity by elevating student voices.
Your insights and experiences help us understand and address the needs of the student body.
Your voice has the power to catalyze real change. At the heart of our efforts are you, the student leaders.
Your role extends beyond classrooms; you are the catalysts for change, the voices that advocate, and the hands, the minds, and the feet that build a better tomorrow.
Effective leadership comes from empathy, inclusivity, and a commitment to fairness.
Embrace these influential leadership roles within our schools and broader communities.
Your ability to lead and champion makes a profound impact.
In our journey towards advocacy and inclusivity, let's cultivate a culture of care where every student feels valued.
Our unwavering commitment to equity in education is at the heart of what we do. It comes to life in moments of connection and collaboration, empowering us to understand and appreciate our diverse experiences.
Together, we are actively shaping an environment where every challenge is acknowledged, and every success is celebrated. Let's continue building a more inclusive and equitable future for every member of our school community.
Again, Welcome to the Student Voices.
Let us carry forward this momentum, embodying the spirit of today: to celebrate, elevate, and connect. Keep striving, keep leading, and keep making a difference.
Ahéhee'. Thank you.