Pari Puran

Through the council, I also learned how to turn passion into action. Attending school board meetings opened my eyes to the real challenges facing arts education in Jersey City, and it pushed me to listen carefully, ask better questions, and speak with intention. The Youth Arts Ed Council kept me disciplined and accountable, while also expanding my network beyond my city. Collaborating with peers from different communities helped me maintain a strong creative profile and understand that advocacy requires consistency, confidence, and collaboration. Because of these experiences, I now see my future in the arts as something larger than personal success; it’s about using my voice to build spaces where other young artists feel seen, heard, and empowered.