Happiest Man Alive Works as Restorative Justice Coordinator at AFYW

For centuries, philosophers have pondered happiness. They’ve yearned for the answer, clawing at anything to find a way to keep that sacred feeling for eternity.

Now we’re in the 21st century, and after years of humans watching Lucky Charms commercials on loop, We’ve finally found the man who cracked the code and found Eternal Bliss; 

Meet Mr. Eli, our new Restorative Justice Coordinator.

As a restorative justice worker, Mr. Eli is committed to creating a fair, safe, and inclusive community here at AFYW. With eight years of experience, this being his first year here, he believes that everyone has the right to reach their full potential, and that a supportive and non-violent environment is essential to achieve this. “My job is to help make this a community where there’s no violence, where people are able to come and be themselves, and feel safe.” says Eli. Aware that conflict is inevitable, Mr. Eli explains that it’s not his job to prevent conflict. Instead, he focuses on helping students learn to manage conflict in healthy and productive ways. “It takes all of us,” Eli explains. To create a safer environment for students and staff, we must all do our part to create bonds within our community. “It can’t [just] be me, It’s not about me at all, actually. It’s about every single person here. Students have more power than I do to make this school a safe community.” 

Mr. Eli is passionate about community and building strong relationships. He gets energy from being around people and is genuinely happy when he is with others. “I just really like community, I know that sounds cheesy.” he says. It seems that there’s no secret serum, or magical quest, or some Los Angeles juice cleanse that the Kardashians swear will make you happier. His happiness comes from community, and the feeling of being within one.

Mr. Eli’s inspiration comes from his family. His parents are lawyers who are dedicated to making their community a better place. His mother helps people who are facing deportation, while his father helps people who are at risk of eviction. Their dedication to social justice is what makes him want to do the same. “I’ve really been inspired. My whole life, my family, is all about doing something to make our community better,”

Before becoming a restorative justice worker, Mr. Eli was a teacher for many years. He has seen first-hand how a lack of a connection to school and the community can lead to negative outcomes for students. He believes schools have the potential to be different, and restorative justice, rooted in Native American traditions, is a way to build strong, powerful communities. 

Mr. Eli is excited to be a part of our school community and is willing to learn from all of us. Knowing he doesn’t particularly look like us, and aware of the difference in upbringings and perspectives of life, he understands that he has a lot to offer, but also a lot to learn. “From my first interview with Ms. Brown (Ms. Tanisha) we talked about that, and how I was gonna come to this school, and be an outsider” He explained. He commits to being himself and a part of the conversation, rather than imposing his own views or solutions on others. Mr. Eli is aware of the challenges and pain experienced by many in our community, especially during, and because of the pandemic. He wants his students to know that he is always there for them and that we can ask him for help anytime, whenever we need it. 

We are grateful to have Mr. Eli in our school and look forward to building a stronger, more supportive community with him. Though, I still think he’s hiding a leprechaun in his office. Or maybe he is the leprechaun?