Even from a young age, I knew I had to make an effort to change the injustices I noticed in my community. From the very first moment I set foot in Dorchester’s Boston Collegiate Charter School’s fifth grade, my passion led me to explore various avenues, from extracurriculars to civic engagement, seeking positions where my voice could make a difference. However, the journey has been far from straightforward, especially for a young Black man like me.

In middle school, my commitment to community involvement found expression through the Mayor’s Youth Council. I was introduced to the world of civic leadership, which helped to solidify my passion for effecting positive change. As I moved to high school, I became part of its Black Student Union, eventually becoming co-president.

My inspiration stems from the strong women in my life, particularly my mother and my godmother. They taught me the importance of standing up for yourself, and making sure that your voice is heard even in settings where that may feel difficult. Their influence fueled my determination to be a leader and to help encourage other young people who look like me to do the same. 

As I entered my senior year, the looming college application process brought a mix of excitement and trepidation. The Supreme Court decision on affirmative action last summer added an extra layer of uncertainty. Affirmative action, as I understood it, aimed to level the playing field by ensuring that minority students – who actually reflect the majority of the world’s population – had a fair shot at higher education. This ruling felt, and feels, like a step backward for our country, leaving me wondering what kind of environment awaits me at my chosen institution.

College visits during my junior year highlighted the challenges I face as a student of color. I was frequently struck by the beauty of the campuses, but also by the lack of diversity. It raised concerns for me about finding my community if I went to a predominantly white institution. Affirmative action, for me, meant feeling sure there would be a sense of community anywhere I went; but with this recent setback, the fear of not finding that community and facing microaggressions and oppression intensifies. That fear spurred me to do deeper research into the demographics of the colleges to which I was applying.

 I also faced a dilemma in expressing my identity. While writing one of the essays for one college’s application, I hesitated between describing myself as a “Black young man” or just a “young man.” Ultimately, I chose to embrace my identity unapologetically, recognizing that who I am is an asset to any college environment.

Affirmative action wasn’t about giving students of color a leg up, it was about leveling the playing field in institutions where privilege often dictates success.

In my pursuit of advocating for a more equitable education system, I learned about proposed legislation in Massachusetts that could address one policy that increases inequality in higher education – legacy admissions. Students should get into college based on merit, not on being related to an alumnus/a of the college. I hope our elected officials will prioritize this issue, as it has the power to dismantle barriers that disproportionately affect students of color.

As I stand on the edge of college life, I remain inspired by political leaders like Barack Obama and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, individuals who have defied societal norms. I aspire to major in political science, attend law school, and eventually enter the political arena myself.

Understandably, some of my peers are becoming increasingly disinterested with the political process in our country. I hope to help rebuild trust in a system that I know has the potential to enact positive change, and to advocate for a future where everyone’s voice is not only heard but valued.

Ayden Cardoso lives in Dorchester and is a senior at Boston Collegiate Charter School. He will be attending Dartmouth College next year.