Seeking Small True Things

"Small True Things" centers on an audio storytelling project that captures intimate, honest interviews with teenagers to foster empathy and connection within school communities. By approaching students without prior knowledge of their backgrounds, the project encourages them to share vulnerable, authentic experiences that often remain hidden. These brief audio pieces, which intentionally exclude the interviewer's voice, serve as a medium for students to feel seen and heard, providing a counter-narrative to the curated, one-dimensional identities prevalent on social media. This process, described as "touch at a distance," requires students' approval of their finished segments before they are shared with the broader school, ensuring the work remains respectful and empowering. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how simple, curious listening can bridge divides and reveal the complex humanity of young people, shifting school cultures toward deeper mutual understanding.