Two learners advocated for a new-to-One Stone project, designed and led a new learning experience for their peers, and found their passion in the process. It all began with Jadon Chen and Dylan Baker, two students who decided to pursue their passion and prepared a pitch to explain their interest in knife making to leaders around One Stone.
They delivered their pitch to Jeff Roelke, the Lab51 Coach and Foundry Manager. “When I first heard about knife making at One Stone, I wasn’t sure what to think. Was it legal? Was it safe?” He said. “Ultimately, it became clear to me that this was not only something they were passionate about, it was exactly what we’d been asking them to do at One Stone. This was the definition of student leadership.”
With approval to design and create knives in the foundry, they forged ahead. “The experience of advocating for myself was incredibly impactful for me,” says Jadon, “because it was the first time in my school career where I was actually listened to by educators.
I felt in control of my life for the first time.”
