The Hope’s in Academy is a program that HOPE’S IN runs in District 220 of Illinois! The program is for Freshmen in high school to learn about social advocacy and gain the skills and confidence to start and implement social impact projects! The Hope’s in Academy is one of our core initiatives in our mission to help develop the next generation of humanitarian leaders. This program is funded by a local foundation called the Barrington Area Community Foundation and is lead by our Executive Director Courtney McGovern and by Dr. Heath McFaul and Amy Winkelman of Barrington High School.

In an effort to share more about what the Hope’s in Academy is all about, we are going to showcase various students that are involved with the program throughout the year! First up is Ananya! Please enjoy reading her insights.

1. Why did you want to join the Hope’s in Academy?

HOPE’S IN is an amazing nonprofit that emphasizes on giving. As I took a step into growing older and becoming a voice that is heard, joining a nonprofit that supports that same motif while helping other lives grow became significant. I’ve always wanted to give back to society, but being able to do so in a creative manner is both fun and fulfilling. After learning about what the Hope’s In Academy supported, I found the diversity and inclusivity to be fitting for anyone. Additionally, I wanted to contribute towards helping those less fortunate and using my capabilities to help build another human’s world, even if it’s on the other side of the globe.

2. What is one of the best things you’ve learned so far at the Hope’s in Academy?

I have learned about the unwavering hard work and empathetic creative thinking it takes to build a nonprofit. These skills are ones that carry over into my life as I aspire to become a leader who can impact someone else’s life. These lessons are valuable and I hope to learn more as I continue my interest at Hope’s In.

3. What are some big dreams you have to change the world?

Changing the world seems generic when asked what one wants to do, but impacting the world to change seems more doable. One impact I hope to make is the spread of awareness for eliminating stigma. This includes gender stereotypes, racism, and mental health. Mental health is oftentimes looked at as weak, however, if we were to talk about it, we would realize that the path to becoming strong wouldn’t be nearly as difficult. I dream to have a way to impact those who fight throughout difficult times in life under a stigma of the inability to be “not okay”. I dream to have a way where the amount of melanin in my skin, or anyone else’s, no longer determines the way others predict our capabilities. I dream to have a way where shame becomes sheer strength and everyone respects each other’s journey. I hope to do this by spreading awareness in the near future. Another impact I aspire to have is through healthcare. As I aspire to become a doctor in the future, I hope to heal the health issues people face. Everyone deserves to enjoy life to the fullest just like everyone deserves to obtain a healthy, happy lifestyle. My dream of becoming a doctor has been rooted in seeing compassion in my home and being taught to love others just as much as one loves themselves.

Here at HOPE’S IN, we are so grateful to run this program because of the generosity of the Barrington Area Community Foundation.