Hi, my name is Karson Burk, and I’m a sophomore at Raton High School. I’ve been in Evolvement for just a few days. I joined on January 26, 2026 and I got involved because I wanted to be part of something that prevents my friends and other peers from the dangers of Big Tobacco. I was excited by the idea of working with my friends who care about improving our school and community.
This year’s Evolvement training was a fun experience. During the training, we participated in team-building activities, and learned more about peer advocacy to fight against tobacco. There was a lot of positivity and everyone was open to sharing ideas and learning from each other. My favorite part of the training was when we promoted Evolvement to other students during lunch, because we got to go off campus and practice collecting surveys like we will later in the year.
This experience helped me build confidence and feel more comfortable stepping into a leadership role, even though I had just joined Evolvement. I also learned how important it is to talk with other students and make sure their voices are heard. Being around other Evolvement students who are passionate about change made me feel like I’m part of a strong, supportive community. New students can expect a welcoming environment, fun and interactive activities, and a chance to grow as leaders. Returning students should keep coming to trainings because each one brings new skills, new connections, and more inspiration to keep making a difference.
