Throwback: The Student Climate Strike Anonymous

Throwback: The Student Climate Strike

By Anonymous

It was 2019. I was a senior in high school when the world as I knew it changed. The events of that year altered my perspective on everything we do as a society.

Recently, I was taking photos for my friends in the Fine Arts courtyard. The green trees and blooming flowers in the courtyard were a wondrous sight which filled me with joy. As I sat on the bench waiting for my next photography appointment, I was reminded of our current climate issues — bringing me back to the“Student Climate Strike” of 2019.

The “Student Climate Strike”

It was a September afternoon like any other, yet the atmosphere was different. Instead of full classrooms where students' voices echoed in the halls, the rooms were empty. Students took this afternoon to use their voices for a cause: their future. I recall discussing the climate strike with my friends as we walked straight out of our classes to travel and join our cohort in the city.

Upon arriving, we were amazed by the large crowds of people. However, while my friends felt happy to see so many people, I was conflicted; many of the people at this protest were merely children.

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We should be at school learning. Why were there not more college students or adults?

These questions filled my head, and I could not find an answer. As the protest began, we gathered in the streets, holding signs and shouting for immediate action on global warming. I recall feeling empowered and motivated as our screams

echoed throughout the New York City streets. I felt as if we were heard — I felt like a part of a bigger movement. My naive self thought bigger things would come from this movement. I skipped school; that sends a message, right?

If I could turn back time, I would want to stay in that moment of security and empowerment for a long time. However, as time has passed, I am disappointed to see few changes. Like many of my friends who attended this protest with me, I have become so preoccupied in other politics and my studies that I am now too busy to address this issue once again.

But the issue still stands. Scientists are still trying to find ways to make their voices heard in climate change issues. It’s been three years, and I still am reminded of that powerful moment on the streets — shoulder to shoulder with my peers — as I now sit in my dorm chair, reading climate change articles.

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