Hear our voices: A message from MyVoice student researchers Carson Downer & Alyssa Tisch

As University of Michigan students and researchers, we’re excited to represent MyVoice. We’ve both shared the unique privilege and awesome responsibility to communicate what our peers have to say about many issues that affect them (and us) as young people.  

Through MyVoice, we’ve been able to collaborate with subject experts, present our own work at conferences, learn how to analyze data that youth provide us through surveys, and talk with policy makers about what our peers have to say.  

By serving as bridges between youth and adults, we feel we’ve made an impact that can change policy. We are thankful for that opportunity. We’ve gained an appreciation for how powerful and insightful young voices can be, especially when it comes to influencing policy and social change.  

Young people are the future architects of our communities, yet their voices are often excluded from decision-making processes. Decision-makers often say they want to create a better world for future generations, but don’t actively engage youth in the decision-making process. MyVoice ensures that youth are not only heard but that they are also part of the research process. This is vital, especially since young people often express themselves differently than adults. 

Helping to interpret and amplify youth voices has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding to both of us. We also consider it a privilege to work with MyVoice Director Dr. Tammy Chang, MD, MPH, MS, and Program Manager Marika Waselewski, MPH, who have both been outstanding mentors to us. They have guided us through this learning experience and have helped us achieve award-winning work. 

We thank the young people who we call the “MyVoicers.” We’re proud to be two among many young people involved in MyVoice who not only give voice to our peers, but have, in turn, found our own strong individual voices. We look forward to the future as we continue to elevate the valuable perspectives of our peers and our own voices as youth advocates. 

With gratitude,  

Alyssa Tisch (U-M Class of 2027) & Carson Downer (U-M Class of 2027)