On July 17, 2026, nine PUSD students and alumni participated in a book launch at Octavia’s Bookshelf to celebrate the print copy of The Learning Curve (TLC), a five-year anthology (2020-2025). The anthology contains stories, art, and reflections that are bookended by life-changing events: COVID 19, Eaton fire, and ongoing ICE raids.
Ella U. (Muir ’22) who founded the publication alongside TLC co-founder Mya H. (PHS ’23), organized the reading and shared about the inception of the project. Gabriella T. (PHS ’24) shared her essay about being part of the Student Think Tank’s team that researched and proposed the Student Assembly to PUSD’s Board of Education in 2023 while Olivia B. (Marshall ’24) read about the values of PUSD’s Dual Language Immersion program at San Rafael Elementary. Students also shared essays in response to current issues: Adhalia R. (PHS ‘28), Hendrick K. (Blair ‘25), Paulina M. (PHS ’24) read about losing their homes due to the Eaton fire and Lula M. (Muir ’28) and Abel R. (Blair ’27) shared work about PUSD student protests against ICE raids and the current administration’s immigration policies.
In a space filled with proud parents, PUSD and PEF board members and administrators as well as past and present PUSD students, the writers shared rich stories about their history in PUSD.
In the discussion segment, Dr. Elizabeth Pomeroy who serves on PEF’s board and has been PUSD’s Board of Education president, asked the first question: “What are you all writing now?” The students had varying responses. Some said they’re recording emotions through poetry and journaling – especially after losing their homes because of the Eaton fire – while others are focusing on academic papers.
Other community members in attendance included Dr. Ann Snow from Cal State-LA, Victoria Knapp who served as Altadena Town Council Chair when the fire devastated the community and is also a STT parent, as well as others.
Dr. Helen Chan Hill, PUSD’s Chief Academic Advisor and who serves as the Student Think Tank advisor, responded to a parent’s question about the sustainability of the Student Think Tank as a long-term project: “The team has done amazing work and made its mark in our community – it’s a project that’s here to stay!”
The Learning Curve is especially meaningful since many students have graduated from PUSD but remain in touch with Sehba Sarwar, who has served as the Student Think Tank’s facilitator since the program’s inception in 2021. Their investment in the project ensured the editing, design, and publication of The Learning Curve.
Funded by PEF and PUSD’s Extended Learning project, the publication is a testimony to the realities that students face today and is the first of its kind in the district’s history.
A second book launch is planned on Saturday, December 19, 1-3 pm at Pasadena Public Library, Lamanda Park Branch, 140 S. Altadena Drive Pasadena, California 91107.
The essays will be published in PEF’s blog soon, but print copies are available at Octavia’s Bookshelf. To purchase online, please send an email to Pasadena Educational Foundation at pef@pasedfoundation.org or call (626) 396-3625.
