More Than a Hangout: Creating a Space Where Teens Are Seen, Safe, and Supported by McKenzie

More Than a Hangout: Creating a Space Where Teens Are Seen, Safe, and Supported by McKenzie - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

I am not really the type of person who builds or constructs things with my hands, so the change I would create in my community would not just be something physical. Instead, it would be something programmatic, something built to change lives. If I could create one real change in Conyers, it would be a safe and welcoming youth program for teenagers, a place that truly feels like it was made for us.

Right now, when people talk about teens, especially Black teens, it is usually to complain about our behavior. We get labeled as disrespectful, irresponsible, or out of control. But what people do not stop to ask is where are we supposed to go. What do we really have access to. In Conyers, the main places for teens are Chuck E. Cheese or the AMC movie theater. Those are not spaces where we can connect, grow, or even feel seen. Chuck E. Cheese feels like it is for little kids, and the movies are fun sometimes, but you cannot build relationships in a dark room where nobody talks. There is no real space for teenagers between 13 and 18 to just be ourselves in a safe and supportive way.

That is why I would create a youth center that actually understands us. Not just a building, but a place with purpose. It would have security so parents feel comfortable and a curfew so things stay structured. At the same time, it would be welcoming and positive, not a place where we feel judged or watched every second.

The programs would be what really make it special. There would be music, art, gaming, sports, and dance so we have a way to express ourselves and enjoy our time. But there would also be programs that help us deal with real life. There would be drug awareness programs that are honest about things like vaping and how it affects our bodies, along with support for teens who are trying to stop using drugs. There would be conversations about safe sex practices so we can make smart choices and protect our futures.

We would also have sessions on hygiene and self care that go beyond what we see online, because not everything on social media is real or helpful. A lot of us are learning from TikTok, but we need real guidance too. There would be lessons on how to carry ourselves with confidence and respect. Another important part would be learning how to use social media in a safe and respectful way. What we post follows us, and how we treat people online matters just as much as in person.

The people running the program would matter just as much as the activities. It would be filled with adults who actually like teenagers and want to see us succeed. Not adults who already expect the worst from us, but mentors who listen, who guide us, and who pour into us. When you feel like someone believes in you, it changes how you move. You start making better choices because you know someone cares.

This space would be for everybody. Teens from all ethnic backgrounds would be welcome. No matter where you come from, you deserve a place where you feel like you belong, where you feel seen, and where your voice matters.

The truth is, people complain about teenagers, but not enough people invest in us. It is easy to point out what we are doing wrong, but it takes effort to create spaces that help us do right. We are still learning and growing, and we need support, not just criticism.

If I could make this change, it would do more than give teens something to do. It would bring the community together, reduce negative choices, and help shape a generation that feels confident and supported. It would remind everyone that we are not just problems to fix. We are young people with purpose. All we need is the chance to grow into it.