Young People and the World

January 3, 2014

Our world is run by young people (See Times Magazine 30 under 30). With their every new creation, invention, and idea, the world is sculpted into something new. The new generation has become a major influence on the world, and every day, you witness young people changing the world. Adults may claim that children, teens, and young adults are inexperienced and inept, however they are the key to change. The new generations replace the old.

Young people are fundamental, and they never cease to amaze me. Altruists of all ages inspire and motivate me, the younger ones more so. It’s an eye opener to read about a 4 year old who established their own charity or a 9 year old who is a youth speaker for the United Nations. Seeing such young people, children even, leaving their mark on the world makes me want to get off of my lazy bum and stand up for a cause.

I was inspired to write this because I feel as though teenagers do not have the respect they deserve. We have the capacity of becoming the influential people featured in magazines today. Yes, there are teenagers whom have made bad decisions, however there are teenagers who are young activists and philanthropists, or aspire to change the world. Sometimes, I feel as if adults devalue teens, which doesn’t make sense because we are young and full of potential. All too often I have heard, “You’re too young…”, “Wait until you are older…”, “You don’t know enough…” So what? What if I’m too young, too inexperienced, and too dumb? Does it change my ability, my potential? I bolster the importance of teenagers. Although we are stereotyped as lazy people who love spending time on the internet, there are a select few who are actively engaged in activism. I’m not an amazing person who has made a huge impact on my community, but I aspire to be one.

I hate the reputation that the stereotypical teen has. Not all of us loves Tumblr, drama, teenage love, video games, and not all of us keeps up with trends, fashions, and songs that are in the "now." Not all of us hate school. Even the teenagers who act like the stereotypical teen have deeper dreams than being re-tweeted by a celebrity. Every body in the world is capable of changing it, and leaving their mark on history. Why are teens less expected to do so? 

A message to my fellow teens:

(Disclaimer: I am not an amazing person who has done amazing things. This is just all my opinion.)

Swap hours of Tumblr for hours of community service. Instead of gossiping about celebrities or school drama, engage in debates and discuss challenges that face our world today. It’s extremely difficult to do something that has a lasting impact on your community, but it’s worth trying. Do something great! 

Beyonce song that is so relevant to this post

P.S. I love Beyonce