Evolvement ❘ Promoting a tobacco-free New Mexico

My name is Johnesse, I am an 11th grader at Gadsden High School, and I have been in Evolvement for the past 3 years. I decided to join because I wanted to make a difference at my school by pushing myself to do something different and advocating for what I think is right. My school advisor, Ms. Palomares, was the one who suggested that I should try it, because it was a great opportunity for resumes and school involvement.

My favorite part of being in Evolvement is when I joined the Evolvement Leadership team, and I was able to help with training at my school. It was the most fun event for me because I got to interact with my friends and show them how being a leader can open doors and show others the correct path to be on. I got to train our school’s Evolvement team with my friend Anastasia, where we showed our students the two separate campaigns, No Minor Sale, and 24/7. We also had the opportunity to show our Evolvement team what their summer could look like if they were to attend the Summit during the summer. My favorite part was helping give the training because I love to present, and being able to do it in front of my friends. I felt that I was really making a change because we all felt the same way.

From this experience, I learned that speaking up does take a lot of courage, but it is always important to stand up and do what you think is right. If students don´t speak up, their addiction might get worse and out of control. It is important that students really understand the damage and the risks smoking causes along the way. Having this training at our school benefited us because now more students are aware of the program and interested in advocacy for a nicotine and drug-free school. We know that if we all stand together, we can all be a part of change to help our students and community. If you want to make a difference or are looking for advocacy opportunities, I really recommend joining Evolvement. It helps you grow as a public speaker, gives you presentation skills, and prepares you for extra opportunities in the future. Join Evolvement!

More Blogs

Making A Difference by Johnesse Martinez

Picture of youth advocates at a training in their school's medical lab

Evolvement Training Experience by Ashlei Lopez

My name is Ashlei. I am in the class of 2027 and I currently attend Capital High School and am involved with Evolvement. This is my first year in it. I joined Evolvement because I wanted to be part of something bigger than just school and actually make a difference in my community. I was […]

Growing As A Leader by Karson Burk

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 […]

Evolvement in the Capitol by Jackson Simpkins

Hey! My name is Jackson Simpkins, I’m a Junior at Eldorado High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico! This is my third year in Evolvement, and first year on our Leadership Team! Evolvement is a Youth Led movement that works to educate our community about the dangers of nicotine and tobacco products. We educate our community […]

We Have What It Takes by Finn Anderson

Hello, My name is Finn Anderson, and I am a junior at Portales high school and this was my first year doing Evolvement.I joined Evolvement to help stop the usage of drugs and tobacco in New Mexico and the Portales community. I believe that people should be able to go to school and not have […]

Being a Leader at the Evolvement Training at APECHS by Saim Iqbal

Hello! I am Saim Iqbal, a senior at Arrowhead Park Early College High School. I am a member of the Evolvement Leadership Team and joined Evolvement to grow as a leader and support tangible change within my community. This year’s training was an exceptional experience because I am now involved in running the training, not […]