Being a nineteen-year-old girl living in California, I know precisely what impression my generation gives to adults. Ranging from the one-dimensional shows that consume our souls to the unappreciative materialism which envelopes our lives, it may be easy think that there are few to none among us reaching out to the world around. I am writing this for the sole purpose of shedding a little more light on this subject by digging past that superficial exterior and into the lives of people who are already making a difference.
There isn't just one type of young person that has compassion for the world and reaches out to help. There are no limitations on impacting the world around them. For instance, I'm not the straight "A" student most people think of when imagining the type of kid who volunteers their time to help others. I've always struggled in school because I normally can't pull myself away from a videogame or a TV show. I'm not athletic and I don't join any school clubs, but I do help the people and things around me whenever the opportunity arises. I know it may sound cliché, but I've found the easiest and most effective way to help the people around you is to smile. Everybody, especially kids and young adults, think everyone is judging them and therefore reacts by judging back. Most people walk around, heads lowered, secluding themselves. They are driven to avoid the eyes of others by some unidentifiable fear. I did this all my life until I decided I was tired of it. Now I can easily make eye contact and smile at people, leaving me with an upbeat energy throughout my day. It's even led to friendships that would never have happened unless I made that first simple effort.
There are young people making huge endeavors and sacrifices for causes they feel worthwhile. There are kids fresh out of high school who head out to dangerous countries in turmoil to help rebuild societies or to cover stories that need to be told. As if homework wasn't already hard enough to manage just being a kid, some volunteer hours of their time each week to their communities. There are kids who comfort friends through tough times or keep up a positive image for their smaller siblings. Among us there are those who would rather learn something new than play with friends; let a spider go rather than squishing it; and give a compliment than take one; or cover graffiti rather than create it. Despite the differences in these efforts, they all add up to one thing: a better world.
There are so many things our generation does to make a positive influence that may sometimes become overshadowed by our flaws. So to those who happen upon this article: don't despair for us yet! I am just one of the many voices demanding change in our society. We are the future and I truly believe we can achieve our true potential as we grow in knowledge and compassion.
