Today’s generation is using their voices to change the world, so future generations will grow up in a more honest and unified society. photo by Baxter Stein
Teenagers can change the world with the power of their voice.
With the world in seemingly constant division, today’s teens are fighting to make their voices heard. The current generation is seeing the problems that are present in society and are choosing to take a stand and make their mark in order to better the world as a whole. Often times teenagers are considered arrogant and uninformed; however, there are millions of teens who prove this stereotype to be wrong. Teenagers are using their voices to make an impact on the world and hopefully influence future generations to do the same.
Colorado native Xiuhtezcatl Roske-Martinez is only 18 years old, but he is already making a huge global impact. He is the founder and youth director of a global conservation group run by youth activists known as the “Earth Guardians.” Since he was six years old, Roske-Martinez has been passionate about saving the planet. Now, he uses his voice to inspire others to take action to conserve the Earth through his TED Talks, songs, and speeches. He advocated for a fee on plastic bags in his hometown of Boulder, Colorado in order to reduce the amount of waste caused by plastic. Roske-Martinez worked with Boulder city council members to reduce the pesticides used in city parks and even worked with other kids to sue the federal government in an attempt to urge the U.S. government to take a stance against climate change.
Marley Dias is a 13 year old women’s rights activist who is tackling issues such as representation and equality. After noticing the lack of representation in the books she read, Dias wanted to find a way to address this issue. In November of 2015, Dias launched her #1000BlackGirlsBooks, in which she aimed to collect and donate 1,000 books that featured black girls as the main protagonists. Her end result was much greater than she expected, with approximately 9,000 books being collected. Currently, Dias uses her voice by working as a young author to spread her message. In 2018, she published her book Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You! The book discusses Dias’ love for activism and encourages other kids to get out and make a change in their community.
22 year old Jack Andraka made waves in the science community when he was just 15. After experiencing the impacts cancer can have first hand, Andraka became passionate about finding a cure. Through his consistent research and hardwork, Andraka was able to develop a diagnostic test that helps detect pancreatic cancer. His test increased the speed of test results by 28 times the usual processing speed and made the test less expensive while showing better results. He earned a prize for his research at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Andraka now uses his research to help people at risk for pancreatic cancer and uses his words to spread his story in TED Talks.
Malala Yousafzai is one of the more notable child activists who uses her voice to address equality in education. Yousafzai was only 15 when she was targeted by the Taliban because she was a girl who wanted to go to school. She was shot in the head and suffered several injuries. Now, Yousafzai is 21 years old and continues to advocate for women’s rights and education rights for young girls in Pakistan and all over the world. She demonstrates the power kids can have if they are willing to speak up for what they believe in. Yousafzai has become an inspiration for many and proves that no matter your age, your voice has the power to change the world.
Even in TJ’s community there are teens who are using their voices to create change. Through school activities, students are learning about problems that exist in the world and are becoming inspired to find solutions. Teens are going to marches and using their voices to spread messages of change. TJ students walked in the women’s march that was held in the Denver area. Students joined together with their teachers to advocate for teacher pay during the recent strike. In classes, students have the opportunity to have discussions about these issues. TJ offers students a safe space to learn about topics and inspiring them to use their voices to create positive actions and better their own community.
Although all of these teens made global impacts, there are smaller things people can do to make a difference. Simply speaking up when something is wrong and standing up for specific beliefs can lead to changes in a community. Even in TJ’s community there are teens who are using their voices to create change. Through school activities, students are learning about problems that exist in the world and are becoming inspired to find solutions. Teens are going to marches and using their voices to spread messages of change. TJ students walked in the women’s march that was held in the Denver area. Students joined together with their teachers to advocate for teacher pay during the recent strike. In classes, students have the opportunity to have discussions about these issues. TJ offers students a safe space to learn about topics and inspiring them to use their voices to create positive actions and better their own community. A person’s voice has power and by using it for good, the world will become a better place.
