STU Alumna Jazmyne McLaughlin Publishes Children’s Book to Help Youth Understand Their Rights
Jazmyne McLaughlin, BA’24, has authored a resource to help youth in New Brunswick understand their rights.
What I Wish I Knew is a 30-page picture book that supports children, especially those living in the child welfare system, in learning about and advocating for the rights she wishes she knew about while navigating the system herself as a child.
Drawing from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, McLaughlin focused in on 11 rights she sees as typically being breached by the system including the right to live in a safe place, the right to help if needed, the right to be heard, the right to privacy, and the right to be protected from harm.
The clear and accessible language and warm illustrations by artist Lexie Temple, Fredericton, work to create a safe, comforting, and empowering resource for children who need it.
“I feel like little me would be proud,” McLaughlin said. “I’ve become the person who would have protected her and stood by her when she needed it most.”
“That makes me optimistic about the future and the change that will continue to grow from this work and from the work of so many others in this field.”
Having been interested in child and youth rights, McLaughlin enrolled in “Human Rights of the Child and Seniors” at STU. The course, taught by Kelly Lamrock (BA ‘94) NB’s Child and Youth Advocate, inspired McLaughlin to pursue an internship at Lamrock’s office —an internship that led to her book.
“The idea for the book came about when I was sitting with Kelly, talking about how I wished I had known my rights growing up,” McLaughlin said.
“I told him I wanted youth to have something that could arm them with that knowledge. He agreed and said he would support me in making the resource a reality. I feel blessed to have had such an amazing team behind me and so lucky that my talented friend Lexie Temple agreed to bring my words to life through illustrations.”
“STU felt like a safe space”
McLaughlin, who is now studying Law at Dalhousie University, majored in Human Rights, Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Law, Politics and Society at STU. She also completed minors in Forensic Anthropology and Native Studies.
She said her time at STU and the support from her professors has played an essential role in her continued success.
“Dr. Amanda DiPaolo (Human Rights), Dr. Christina Szurlej (Human Rights), Dr. Shannonbrooke Murphy (Human Rights), Dr. Moira McLaughlin (Anthropology), and Dr. Stephen Pidwysocky (Criminology and Criminal Justice) were all instrumental in my success at STU.”
“Each of them played a role in making me feel safe, heard, and respected, and they always had faith in me and my work.”
“A big part of why STU felt like a safe space was because my professors were steady supports when I needed them most.”
She said she hopes other university students can find ways to use their education to improve the lives of others along the way.
“Your education is a privilege. Don’t take it for granted — use it to make a difference. Lean into curiosity and follow the classes or projects that spark something in you.”
What I Wish I Knew is currently available for free in digital format on the Advocate’s Office website in four languages: English, French, Mi’kmaq, and Wolastoquey.