An underdog is a term for someone who, after facing significant obstacles, rises to success. We’ve seen it in movies and books, but how about in real life? 

Sterling Waldman, a 2015 Parkway Central High School graduate, has gone from being pushed around during high school to becoming a national Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) leader. Waldman, now a freshman at the University of Missouri, identifies as gender neutral, and prefers the pronouns “they” and “them” (as opposed to “he” or “she”).

Ever since freshman year in high school, Waldman has climbed the GSA social action ladder, working at the local, state and national level of the organization. In addition, Waldman has helped plan programs for North American Federation of Temple Youth and ran campaigns and petitions in Parkway. Waldman’s success wasn’t innate; just like everyone else, “they” had experiences throughout “their” life that pushed their thoughts into action.

“In general, I struggled a lot,” Waldman said, “especially in middle school, and [my] school was not very receptive to helping me. I was struggling a lot with friends, and the school counselor told me I wouldn’t have any problems if I were straight. That’s why I got involved in a lot of GSA programs the next year, because I needed to build support for other young people like me.”

Much to Waldman’s dismay, the move to high school didn’t seem to change the level of acceptance for gender neutral and lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender students. Only this time around, the students weren’t the source of the problem — it was the system and the stigma around LGBT students. 

“When I was a freshman, I had a lot of friends who were seniors and were suspended for using what the school system said was ‘the wrong bathroom,’” Waldman said. “But it was the bathroom they needed to use.”

During the school year, Waldman was able to travel on weekends with NFTY, which seemed like paradise compared to an average day at school. Waldman found solace in their youth group, which gave “them” the strength “they” needed to continue working towards LGBT equity in their district.

“School was rough for me, I got very limited support at school,” Waldman said. “But NFTY was really great with giving support. I’ve met some of my best friends through NFTY and it’s nice to meet other nice people like yourself.” 

Even at their first chaverah (Hebrew for “fellowship”), which had a social action theme of LGBT rights, Waldman felt a strong sense of safety and acceptance within the NFTY community. A few years later, Waldman was inspired to write a program on gender that everybody participated in as a part of the social action program where NFTY members got to hear personal and diverse stories about life as a transgender teen. 

Jodi Miller, youth director of Congregation Shaare Emeth Youth Group (SETYG), saw Waldman evolve during the high school years.

“I have watched Sterling grow from a young person grappling with many teen issues including gender identity to a strong young adult with a passion for equality regardless of sexual or gender identity,” said Miller. “Sterling has proven to all of us that it takes just a voice and following through with action to accomplish things that are important to you. Sterling has made a profound impact on NFTY and in Parkway advocating and speaking up for necessary changes. I am excited to see what Sterling’s future holds.”

With a new boost of confidence, Waldman decided to go back and make a change within Parkway’s program.  

“I ran some campaigns in Parkway that were pretty successful,” Waldman said. “I worked on a sex-ed petition for Parkway to get more comprehensive courses and there’s been a lot of movement on that. Although I’ve been working on the campaign for two years…it’s almost done now; it’s supposed to be approved for this fall.” 

Chris Jacob, president of the Parkway School Board, said the district’s “policies and procedures are part of our governance in order that all students feel safe and are able to learn in a supportive environment.” 

“We compliment this student on their confidence and leadership in elevating the conversation about LGBT issues and helping all students be successful in school,” Jacob added.

Even though Waldman is moving onto the next stage of “their” life, attending college at Mizzou, Waldman want to make sure to leave an imprint that all  incoming middle and high schoolers can heed.

“Don’t let your age stop you from doing things. If people say ‘Oh you can’t do this or that because you’re 13 or because you’re 15,’ prove them wrong,” said Waldman. “You can do it. And remember that the people most affected by something should be the ones leading the movement.”