During a recent Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) board meeting, a passionate address from a youth representative highlighted the pressing issues facing Generation Z, particularly in the context of mental health and educational support. The speaker emphasized that the actions taken by the school board will significantly impact the lives of students, urging members to consider the legacy they leave behind.

The representative pointed out alarming trends among Gen Z, including unprecedented rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, exacerbated by economic challenges and a lack of access to essential social services like Social Security. They specifically noted that these issues are magnified for youth in Miami-Dade, particularly for those from marginalized backgrounds, such as Haitian migrants.

The speaker called for immediate changes to improve the educational environment, advocating for increased mental health resources, comprehensive sex education, and better support and compensation for teachers. They implored the board to listen to the demands of the community, framing the current budget as insufficient for providing students with the world they deserve.

In closing, the representative expressed solidarity with local advocacy groups and urged the MDCPS board members to act swiftly in addressing these critical issues, emphasizing the importance of their decisions for the future of Miami-Dade's youth.