Aaron Custodio

- Lead Fellow

My name is Aaron, and I'm currently a senior at Bard High School Early College Queens. I plan on majoring in political science in college. I first joined the Civic Fellowship program last summer, and from Day 1, I've always felt comfortable expressing my views and opinions in the sessions. Unlike other political programs, Next Gen Politics is genuinely a safe haven for all differing opinions along the political spectrum. Being a Moderate in a predominantly Liberal environment, I didn't have a comfortable space where I could be myself until I joined this program. I've learned so much about civic engagement from NextGen. So much so that it's even changed my opinions on free speech and criminal justice.

Outside of school, I am committed to being a leader in my community. I am the captain of my school's wrestling team, vice president of the Reclamation Project's Jamaica branch, and the founder of LatinoRise Initiative, a student-led organization meant to educate Latino families in understanding how the American education system works.