In the world we live in today, there are countless issues every day that divide us and bring out strong thoughts and emotions while shaking us to the core. With a truly scary world out there, there's never been a better time than now to value the importance of your voice.
For me, writing has always been my outlet, my way of articulating what I think about the issues plaguing society. However, this was not always the case. For a long time, I never thought my voice or opinion really mattered in the grand scheme of things or that it could impact the bigger picture. But what I've come to discover over the past few years, especially in the recent months, is that every single person's voice has inexplicable power and has the potential to even start a movement.
On February 14, my home and my world changed. The sense of innocence was taken from my hometown of Parkland, Florida when a barrage of bullets took the lives of 17 innocent people. But with that devastation and unexplainable loss arose a power: the power of youth. In the aftermath, the students of Stoneman Douglas came together and demanded a change and gave rise to the March For Our Lives moment.
Over the past few months, we have seen and heard the youth of this country, and all over the globe, demand to be heard and to make it clear their voices deserve to be heard. The students from Douglas started a revolution. They showed youth from all over the globe that they matter and that their words have power.
In seeing the strength and resilience of those kids, I felt empowered to use my own voice to be a part of the change. Through writing, I have explained my beliefs, my desires, and my longing for a better world, a safer world. I have connected with friends and family over our shared ideas and our difference of opinions, too. I've gotten to see first-hand what my words can do, and what they can be a part of. And I won't let that die.
In the age of technology, it is so easy to speak up. We have writing, videos, pictures, and so many different ways to let our thoughts reign free. The possibilities are endless.
This generation is a force to be reckoned with. We have demanded a spot at the table and embraced our biggest power – our ability to so effortlessly and effectively convey what we are thinking. And to top it all off, we can fit that into 140 characters or less if needed.
Don't let anyone ever tell you that your opinion doesn't matter or that it isn't important because you're a kid, or that you haven't lived enough yet, or that you don't know what you're talking about and to let the adults deal with it. That's what we've done in the past, and the issues that have been a problem in our society are still there.
The key ingredient that's been missing is the creativity and determination of the world's youth standing up to fight for what they believe in.
We all have a voice, so it's time you use yours, too.
I know I will continue to use my words for good, for change. I am making the most of my power because I now realize what I have to say and what I believe in matters. I know my words can make a real difference in the world. And so can yours. Embrace your power and change the world.
