Newton South student body gathers for public dialogue about beliefs

By Laura Paine/Staff Writer
Wicked Local Newton
Posted Sep 28, 2010 @ 01:15 PM

http://www.wickedlocal.com/newton/news/x1936773528/Newton-South-student-body-gathers-for-public-dialogue-about-beliefs

Over the summer, students at the high school read "This I Believe II," a collection of essays from people all over the world about their philosophies and core beliefs. The idea was created by the nonprofit "This I Believe" in an effort to engage youths and adults in writing, sharing and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives. South students were required to write their own "This I Believe" essays as a part of the summer reading program.

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In the LGBT and the World panel, Newton South technical education teacher Jenn Stephens sat before the students and told them about her experiences as a transgender woman. She said she does not want to hide her past as a male.

"I need to be as open as possible because many transgender people are not," she said. "I celebrate my past. I believe when you are yourself you're more comfortable with yourself."