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I Feel Happy

During a recent Foundations of Restorative Justice training, NewRoot facilitator Yoli Sandoval experienced a moment she hasn’t forgotten.

Two paraprofessionals attending the training brought their young children with them. During an activity focused on harm and repair, Yoli invited participants to reflect on a simple but deeply human question:

“When you have caused harm, how has that felt?”

While adults shared their reflections, one of the young children, previously busy coloring, raised their hand. Yoli called on them.

“I’ve felt sad. Like I want to cry.”

Later in the activity, Yoli asked another question:

“When you’ve repaired the harm you’ve caused, how did that feel?”

The child raised their hand again.

“I feel happy.”

Yoli added the child’s responses to the same chart paper where adults were sharing their reflections because their voice belonged in the conversation, too.

And after the activity, the child handed Yoli a drawing.

It read: “Center who we serve.” Alongside it, her name and a smiley face.

That small moment reflects what NewRoot works to create every day: spaces where people feel safe enough to participate.

It reminds us that young people are often listening more closely than we realize, and that magic can happen when we create the right space.