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OPEN LETTER TO MAYOR BASS -
Dear Mayor,
As a young student growing up in Los Angeles, I see our city not only as a place of opportunity but also as a community that holds dreams, struggles, and responsibilities for everyone who calls it home. Every day, I walk through our streets, attend school, and witness both the promise and the challenges that shape our neighborhoods—from public safety and education to housing and transportation.
I write to you not only to share my thoughts but to remind our city’s leaders that the decisions made today will shape the lives of students like me for decades. We are the ones who will inherit these choices, and the weight of that responsibility is already on our shoulders. When policies prioritize equity, education, and safety, they plant seeds for a future where young Angelenos can thrive rather than merely survive. When they fall short, we inherit obstacles that can hinder our potential for years, even generations, to come.
Education is at the heart of my message. Every classroom in Los Angeles is a place of possibility, yet disparities in resources, support, and opportunities remain. Some schools lack adequate funding for libraries, arts programs, or STEM education. Others face overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and insufficient access to counselors. Every student deserves more than just basic instruction; we deserve an environment where curiosity is encouraged, creativity is nurtured, and ambition is not limited by circumstance. Leaders who see students as more than numbers or test scores can transform education into a foundation for lifelong success.
Beyond the classroom, our communities reflect the challenges that many students face every day. Safe streets, reliable public transportation, and affordable housing are not luxuries—they are necessities. When students feel unsafe walking to school or navigating their neighborhoods, their ability to focus and thrive diminishes. When families struggle to find affordable housing, the stress ripples into the home and the classroom alike. Investing in safe, accessible, and equitable communities is an investment in the students who will become the next doctors, engineers, artists, teachers, and leaders of Los Angeles.
Mental health and well-being also deserve attention. Students are carrying the weight of a world that feels uncertain, from rising crime rates to environmental challenges and the pressures of academic achievement. Schools should be sanctuaries of support, not just centers of instruction. Access to counselors, mental health programs, and safe spaces for students to express themselves is critical. Your leadership can ensure that Los Angeles does not just educate young people but also cares for them as whole individuals.
Mayor, your decisions send a message to students like me: that our voices matter, our safety matters, and our dreams are worth investing in. Leadership that listens, that understands the needs of young people, and that acts with compassion can transform a city into a place where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered.
I may be young, but I am not silent. I care deeply about my city, my classmates, and my neighbors. I hope that in your leadership, you will not only hear my words but act on them—ensuring that Los Angeles is a city where all young people can grow with hope, opportunity, and dignity.
The future of Los Angeles is not just built in City Hall—it is built in classrooms, playgrounds, and streets across the city. As a student, I want to feel that my ideas and concerns are valued. I want to see leaders who recognize that every investment in education, safety, and community is an investment in the next generation. I want to know that when I graduate, I am leaving a city stronger, fairer, and more united than the one I inherited.
Mayor, the responsibility is great, but so is the opportunity. With thoughtful leadership, Los Angeles can continue to be a city where dreams are possible, where students are supported, and where the next generation is prepared to carry the torch of progress forward. I hope that in the decisions you make today, you will remember us—the students who will inherit the results—and ensure that our city’s future is bright, inclusive, and full of hope.
Sincerely, A Concerned Young Student of Los Angeles
(Shoshannah Kalaydjian is a Jewish student and writer focused on education, identity, and the challenges facing her generation. She amplifies Jewish youth voices and advocates for safer, more inclusive schools and campuses.)
