FITCHBURG — Thinking deeper is something students are asked to do as part of their learning journeys. To peel back the layers of an idea to get to the heart of it. That’s how some of the best senior projects begin: as an idea that becomes so much more.
This is exactly what happened to Sizer Senior Audrey Langham of Lunenburg. The topic for her senior project was inspired by the research she had done a year earlier, for a different Sizer School assignment.
“I did my Junior X project last year on Audrey Hepburn. That’s when I learned about humanitarianism and why it’s so important. That’s how I found out more about UNICEF,” said Langham. “I learned how powerful humanitarianism is and that there’s a right way and a wrong way to give people help. I used to think humanitarian aid was something anyone living in political conflict or a conflict in their country needed. I thought that aid was something that could completely change people’s lives for the better. While that’s true, humanitarian aid can be executed the wrong way and hurt people more than it helps them.”
Langham’s research inspired her to learn even more about UNICEF and its work to help children and teens in crisis, especially those impacted by the Russian Ukrainian War.
“I really dived deep into the subject,” she said. “There is such an incredible need and it made me think about how much I love children. I’m an older sister and have always been family-oriented. This was something I could connect with, not just because I love kids but because I’m a student and everyone deserves to be a student in a safe school, with everything they need, but they can’t.”
Langham’s Essential Question – the driving force behind her project – is, “How does the active work of UNICEF in war-torn Ukraine demonstrate the importance of humanitarianism?”
“Because of the Russian Ukrainian War I became really focused on learning more about Ukrainian child refugees, their lack of resources, basic health needs and education,” she said.
As part of her research, Langham interviewed Vittorio Milanes, a Digital Communication Specialist at UNICEF.
“This was the point in the project that things started getting really really real,” she said. “But, as soon as his face popped up on the screen call, he was very down to earth, calm and collected. He validated what I already thought I knew and gave me fresh perspectives on the subject and on the people I’m learning about.”
Langham says finding sources on the Russian Ukrainian War had been difficult because “at its peak everyone was talking about it and worried about it and involved in what was going on, but that died down.”
“So many people are still in need, still struggling. It’s not over just because no one is talking about it,” said Langham. “That’s the big reason why the interview [with Milanes] was so helpful. I could hear from someone directly living in that country.”
For her final product, Langham hopes to create a fundraiser that will not only raise money for UNICEF but spread awareness of what is happening to Ukrainian refugees.
“I am planning a fundraiser for UNICEF, with the money specifically going to child refugee education,” she said. “I’d like to raise at least $1,000.”
Langham says she is excited about her next steps and looks forward to being able to make a difference, no matter how big or small it might be.
Langham has been a student at Sizer School since the 7th grade. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education.
Follow Sizer School at www.SizerSchool.org to find out how you can donate. Sizer School, a North Central Charter Essential School, is a free public charter school serving grades 7 through 12. Currently accepting applications for next year, apply before March 1st.
-Sizer School