5 minute read
Social Issues
YOUNGER GENERATIONS AS LEADERS & ACTIVISTS
Kalilah Rothstein, Alyssa Peccatiello, Saman Ali, Aurora-Marie Munoz, Georgi Andreev, Madeline Oakley
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Activism has become more and more relevant in the lives of teenagers and young adults today. Whether it's joining a club at school, being present at a protest, or simply speaking up about social injustices, activism has spread like a wave over our generation.
Students and young adults take part in advocating for a variety of causes, from mental health to systemic racism. Within our own generation, a well-known leader is Greta Thunberg, a 19-year-old girl from Sweden. She is well-known for challenging global leaders to address the effects of climate change and global warming. 23-year-old Euphoria actress Hunter Schafer is yet another leader of our generation who passionately advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. Schafer is most known for fighting against transphobia as a trans person herself.
Various young leaders at RBHS have found their niche by taking charge of clubs that address and challenge students to tackle social issues and engage with the world around them. To gain more insight into the motivations of our campus's bright, young activists, we interviewed leaders from NextGen Politics and Fight Against Hunger.
"You are never too small to make a difference. " -Greta Thunberg
HUNTER SCHAFER
YANEL SIQUEIROS
We met with the Vice President of NextGen, Yanel Siqueiros. Yanel is a senior, a captain of Advanced Universal Movement, a Bronco Ambassador, and a Peer Counselor. We asked why she thinks it's important that younger generations get involved in leadership roles. Yanel explains that leadership roles allow us to develop skills that could deeply benefit us in the future: “Being a leader teaches us how to effectively communicate, work efficiently with others, and lets us consider how certain decisions affect others rather than just ourselves” . Yanel expresses that her leadership titles have taught her to listen to input from others and how to implement it into goals the group or team is wishing to achieve.
Another group of students who have made their efforts known these past couple of months is Fight Against Hunger. We met with the President, Elise LaFreniere, to discuss her insight on the importance of leadership. Elise is a Junior and is also Secretary of Key Club along with being President of Fight Against Hunger. She pointed out how leadership roles can feel intimidating to high schoolers,
NEXT GEN POLITICS
FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER
but she's also learned about the importance of stepping up as a leader: “Gaining experience in leadership roles early on in life genuinely has been an equally great challenge and opportunity for me. Despite the fact that, at times, being a leader and taking on larger responsibilities when you’re still a kid can be daunting, it brings great experiences that make it all worth it. " Elise explained that as President, organizing different events such as food drive is not easy, but despite the challenges she faces, making a difference in society is what makes it all worth it.
No matter how many young activists there are, the world will always need more and more. Our youthful spirits drive us to work for and believe in a better future, and the world's up-and-coming leaders for change can take inspiration from today's young activists and their constant fights for what matters to them. For every climate change fighter, there needs to be an advocate for prison reform, mental health, and the countless other issues that the world continues to battle.
No issue is too small or big as long as a passionate spark is there. With even a flicker, you can set the whole world ablaze through patience, determination, and synergy. So get involved! Join a new club, participate in a protest, or simply start the conversation on the issues you care about. Regardless of how young or insignificant you feel, activism begins with a voice, and your voice can change the world.
Anyone can change the world. But more importantly, everyone can.
AFTER MUCH HARD WORK, THE RANCHO BERNARDO ROYAL REGIMENT HAS PULLED THROUGH WITH FIRST PLACE AT THE SCSBOA 6A CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, WITH A SCORE OF 95.20.
Senior Colorgaurd Captain
Q: How did you feel going into the marching season this year? A: Confident! Coming out of last years win, it felt like motivation. I wanted that feeling again! Q: How do you feel about the hands that the program is going into next year? A: The younger members have definitely improved and it's going into amazing hands! I'm so glad this is the group of people it's going into.
RAWANRAWAN BAHIABAHIA
The 2022 Winter Dance Concert was definitely one for the books and a night to remember. What outstanding performances given by TDF, JV, Universal Movement, JV Hip Hop, Intermediate, BBoys, and of course our beloved MTDF! This night was a very special night as it' s the first winter concert for newcomer and dance director, Rachel Banks and a comeback concert for Mich Jacoby who spent last year helping out with ASB. The dance concert took over an hour and let me tell you my twelve dollars did not go to waste at all. Out of the three days the concert was held, Friday was the most hyped and best experience yet. Everyone was given glow sticks and the crowd was cheering on every single performance. At the end of the concert majority headed straight to In N Out to celebrate this successful night, which gave an FNL feels with a twist.
*Advanced Universal Movement*
Congratulations to the amazing efforts put in by the RBHS Dance Program. We cannot wait until the next concert in Spring! In the meantime competition season is right around the corner. Good luck!! Lets go Broncos!
