Change Is a Sign of Life

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hen times feel difficult, it can be helpful to reflect on why we do this work. Find inspiration and remember your “why” in the following words from Dr. Asari Offiong, accepting the Changemaker Award at #HealthyTeen24:

To me, a changemaker is willing to do and try new things, think differently, and step out on faith.

Thank you so much to Healthy Teen Network for honoring me today. It means so much to be receiving this award at this conference and at this time in society. Being deemed a changemaker is both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. To me, a changemaker is willing to do and try new things, think differently, and step out on faith. I’m so grateful that I’ve worked in spaces and places that have supported me in this process. From my mentors, like Dr. Terri Powell at Hopkins to my colleagues at Child Trends, I’ve been given the space to fully embrace and shift from what is seen as the norm.

I truly believe in taking a reproductive justice lens and approach to adolescent sexual health, which means that young people have autonomy and the ability to make decisions that best suit their lives, their situation, and their desires—whatever that means for them—and the same ability to change their minds when it no longer serves them. That means supporting expectant and parenting young people just as much as any other young person. It means creating a world that is just, compassionate, and person-centered.

But in the same vein, being a changemaker can feel like a lonely process because you’re challenging what is seen as normal—feeling like you’re constantly on defense. Oftentimes, it feels like you’re always being questioned and pushed into a corner as to why the status quo is no longer acceptable. But being honored today really reinvigorates and encourages me to continue asking questions and saying the things that seem different from the norm because our young people deserve that. They deserve a world where the adults in their lives—whether it’s parents, providers, educators, researchers, or us here in this room—are willing and committed to changing and challenging our systems, programs, research questions, and perspectives.

I’m committed to creating a world through my work that becomes the baseline and foundation of how we work with and for young people.

As a researcher and practitioner, it is not my job, or any of our jobs, to be the morality police, but rather to ensure that young people have access to knowledge and resources that allow and equip them to make the best decisions for themselves. It’s a little disappointing that this perspective in itself is deemed novel, but I’m committed to creating a world through my work that becomes the baseline and foundation of how we work with and for young people. This is truly my “why” on days when it feels overwhelming and tiring.

So I’m thankful to every young person who has trusted me with their stories, experiences, and perspectives, and given me the permission to be one of their change agents. I’m grateful to my family and friends who have always supported me in navigating my purpose and being my soundboard when I need a moment to rant. I’m thankful to my peers and mentors who supported this nomination and wrote beautiful words on my behalf.

I’m thankful that, while the world we live in can feel confusing and uncertain at times, I’m still afforded the opportunity to think differently in a way that tackles challenges that impact the current and future generations to come. I’m thankful as a Black immigrant woman raised on the west side of Detroit, I get to contribute in my own little way to changing and improving environments for other little Black children and young people who have similar and different paths than me. And lastly, I’m grateful that change is a sign of life—that we are still here growing, learning, and reimagining what gets to be the new normal.

Again, thank you very much for this honor! I’m truly humbled by this award, and it’s just the beginning of what’s to come.