Sharing Life Experiences
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Do you ever wonder how kids in Sweden celebrate? What school is like in Japan? How do kids in the Arctic Circle stay warm? When do kids start their day in Ethiopia? How do socioeconomic issues affect kids in Guatemala? What games are played in Ecuador? What do kids strive to be in Switzerland? What do kids in Tahiti think a lot about?
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By letting others know about how you live, we can develop greater appreciation and compassion for all. When we meet other cultures on a personal level, not only can we understand them better, but we can also be more inspired to solve issues that our fellow youth are facing.
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Tell us about life in general where you live.
What is your normal day like? What do you and others your age think about? What inspires you? What are your goals? How do the problems in your country affect you? On behalf of youth in your country, what is something you would like kids in other nations to understand about your culture? What is important to youth in your country? What stereotypes would you like to break, what values you hold dear would you like to convey? |
Quarantine Journal
Describe your experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Hello, everyone! During this tough time, I have been trying to remember that social distancing doesn't mean that we can't stay connected to one another. I still make sure to call and video chat with my friends on an almost daily basis. It reminds me that even though we can't be physically near each other, we can still be close to those we love. I am also taking the time to rediscover old hobbies like baking and playing the piano. I was recently re-watching some of my favorite shows and in the shows Parks and Recreation, one of the characters said," How we deal with tragedy defines who we are." That is the attitude I have been trying to adopt. We have the choice to feel bad for ourselves and all the fun exciting things we missed out on, or we can make the choice to move forward and find new and innovative ways to connect with our communities. I hope this inspires you guys to feel strong during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to move forward! Thank you.
-Megha Bharadwaj
Being in the midst of a pandemic has made me revaluate my behaviour and how I think. As a senior in high school, it’s easy to become sad thinking about my classmates and teachers whom I miss, the school events I won’t get to experience, and the last days I might not get to cherish.
The whole world is experiencing this sorrow, and while it is a tragedy, we are still united. During this time, I feel blessed to see the beauty of people coming together and sharing their love and positivity. It is nice to know that we are never alone in this, even though we cannot physically be together. People are spreading thoughts, prayers, games, exercises, ways to stay busy and I’ve never seen humanity so supportive of one another. We are already proving to overcome the challenges from this virus. Our community is stronger than a pandemic and it is inspiring to see.
-Katelyn Mulchan
Heyy guys I’m sure everyone’s been finding it rough with the lockdown going on. First and foremost I hope you're all safe and healthy! As a person who's an extrovert and someone who loves to go out, I most definitely found the first few days of my lock down tough. However now I’m busting myself with baking and cooking. So far I’ve learnt how to make doughnuts, pizza, chocolate eclairs and even some basic things such as Mac and Cheese. So I’d definitely say cooking is a great option to pass time, as a senior in highschool I used to never get more than 5 hours of sleep now I am proud to say I get at least 8 hours of sleep every night since quarantine.
-Aimann Godil
During the quarantine period, I've become a more thankful person. It's easy to be trapped in negative thoughts; staying at home is draining and boring, I miss my friends and interaction with others outside of my family, and I'm disappointed about missing many Senior events. However, I am incredibly grateful for my loving family, comfortable home, and enough food and necessities--not everyone is in a safe position during this time.
Additionally, I've had the time to pick up hobbies that I have less time for during the school week, such as reading for pleasure, playing piano, and strumming the ukulele. I've spent more time with my family and catching up with friends over FaceTime. As someone who is constantly busy in the face of deadlines, I forgotten how nice it is to be able to take a step back and live in the moment.
-Litsa Kapsalis
-Megha Bharadwaj
Being in the midst of a pandemic has made me revaluate my behaviour and how I think. As a senior in high school, it’s easy to become sad thinking about my classmates and teachers whom I miss, the school events I won’t get to experience, and the last days I might not get to cherish.
The whole world is experiencing this sorrow, and while it is a tragedy, we are still united. During this time, I feel blessed to see the beauty of people coming together and sharing their love and positivity. It is nice to know that we are never alone in this, even though we cannot physically be together. People are spreading thoughts, prayers, games, exercises, ways to stay busy and I’ve never seen humanity so supportive of one another. We are already proving to overcome the challenges from this virus. Our community is stronger than a pandemic and it is inspiring to see.
-Katelyn Mulchan
Heyy guys I’m sure everyone’s been finding it rough with the lockdown going on. First and foremost I hope you're all safe and healthy! As a person who's an extrovert and someone who loves to go out, I most definitely found the first few days of my lock down tough. However now I’m busting myself with baking and cooking. So far I’ve learnt how to make doughnuts, pizza, chocolate eclairs and even some basic things such as Mac and Cheese. So I’d definitely say cooking is a great option to pass time, as a senior in highschool I used to never get more than 5 hours of sleep now I am proud to say I get at least 8 hours of sleep every night since quarantine.
-Aimann Godil
During the quarantine period, I've become a more thankful person. It's easy to be trapped in negative thoughts; staying at home is draining and boring, I miss my friends and interaction with others outside of my family, and I'm disappointed about missing many Senior events. However, I am incredibly grateful for my loving family, comfortable home, and enough food and necessities--not everyone is in a safe position during this time.
Additionally, I've had the time to pick up hobbies that I have less time for during the school week, such as reading for pleasure, playing piano, and strumming the ukulele. I've spent more time with my family and catching up with friends over FaceTime. As someone who is constantly busy in the face of deadlines, I forgotten how nice it is to be able to take a step back and live in the moment.
-Litsa Kapsalis
Ghana
Anonymous
I am from Ghana and during Ghana Independence Day, we celebrate by having a feast and dancing the whole day
Greece
Argy
Age 17
- Where are you from, and what is a fun fact about yourself?
I am from Athens, Greece. Something funny about me is that every time I talk to a stranger I tend to blush in 0000.1 seconds.
- What is your favorite subject in school/what area of study would you like to pursue?
In school my favorite subject has always been Literature because you are free to express yourself and refine your soul.
The field of studies I want to engage in is Law and more specifically Criminal Law.
- What does a regular day look like for you? What about your weekly schedule? Do you work? Are you involved in clubs? Do you take care of siblings?
In a regular day, I wake up early, at about 07:15 in order to go to school from 08:15 until 14:00. Then, I have tutoring in the subjects that I am going to get examined for the university. When I finish the lessons, I do the school homework until late at night. If I am lucky and finish earlier, I usually spend my spare time watching Netflix. On the weekend, fortunately my program is less hectic and apart from studying, I go out with my friends or engage in the different actions of the teens volunteering initiative I’m a member “Yousmile”. Even with a busy schedule, I love devoting my time for helping people and especially, children in need, and contributing to the creation of a better world. I am still a high school student, so I don’t work and luckily there is no need of looking after my younger sister because she is thirteen years old and she can take care of herself.
- What is your passion?
I could say I am really passionate about traveling. If traveling was free, I would live in an airplane. Also, I love being around children and offering them whatever I can in order to make them smile. Because as our organization “The Smile of the Child” states: “Every child needs to smile”.
- What is your greatest challenge? What is your community’s greatest challenge?
So far, my greatest challenge is keeping up with all my responsibilities. For example, keeping the balance between hanging out with friends, studying, learning foreign languages, spending time with family and taking care of myself. My community’s greatest challenge is to improve the quality of living by planting more trees and flowers and creating more environmentally friendly places and habits.
- What is your greatest aspiration in life?
My greatest aspiration is to live a life that I won’t regret and to seize every day like it’s my last. I want to be proud of the life I have created and make my people that happy as well.
- What is one stereotype you wish you could eliminate?
I wish I could eliminate the stereotype of children being depicted as weak and immature when it comes to solving society’s issues. Children have more passion and strength than the majority of adults and if they are focused on an issue important to them, they are able to change the world in order to solve it. Their persistence and pure love are their weapons against the self-interest of adults. Their rights to speak and engage in society’s problems should finally be taken into account and be respected. That’s the reason why YouSmile has created a group called “Children’s Rights Team” that is especially focused on the children’s rights and advocates through many actions for the protection of our rights.
- What is one social or political issue you are passionate about? Why are you passionate about it? Has this impacted you or someone you know directly?
A burning issue that has captured my attention lately is the climate change and the environmental protection. I am most interested about it because its importance is tremendous. The overuse of our natural resources and the pollution are already leading to dangerous weather phenomena and basically, are threatening the human race. And of course, not only me but everyone has been affected by this concerning issue. My community has already been hit by a severe flood and even a neighbor of ours lost his life during that extreme weather phenomenon.
- Where are you from, and what is a fun fact about yourself?
I am from Athens, Greece. Something funny about me is that every time I talk to a stranger I tend to blush in 0000.1 seconds.
- What is your favorite subject in school/what area of study would you like to pursue?
In school my favorite subject has always been Literature because you are free to express yourself and refine your soul.
The field of studies I want to engage in is Law and more specifically Criminal Law.
- What does a regular day look like for you? What about your weekly schedule? Do you work? Are you involved in clubs? Do you take care of siblings?
In a regular day, I wake up early, at about 07:15 in order to go to school from 08:15 until 14:00. Then, I have tutoring in the subjects that I am going to get examined for the university. When I finish the lessons, I do the school homework until late at night. If I am lucky and finish earlier, I usually spend my spare time watching Netflix. On the weekend, fortunately my program is less hectic and apart from studying, I go out with my friends or engage in the different actions of the teens volunteering initiative I’m a member “Yousmile”. Even with a busy schedule, I love devoting my time for helping people and especially, children in need, and contributing to the creation of a better world. I am still a high school student, so I don’t work and luckily there is no need of looking after my younger sister because she is thirteen years old and she can take care of herself.
- What is your passion?
I could say I am really passionate about traveling. If traveling was free, I would live in an airplane. Also, I love being around children and offering them whatever I can in order to make them smile. Because as our organization “The Smile of the Child” states: “Every child needs to smile”.
- What is your greatest challenge? What is your community’s greatest challenge?
So far, my greatest challenge is keeping up with all my responsibilities. For example, keeping the balance between hanging out with friends, studying, learning foreign languages, spending time with family and taking care of myself. My community’s greatest challenge is to improve the quality of living by planting more trees and flowers and creating more environmentally friendly places and habits.
- What is your greatest aspiration in life?
My greatest aspiration is to live a life that I won’t regret and to seize every day like it’s my last. I want to be proud of the life I have created and make my people that happy as well.
- What is one stereotype you wish you could eliminate?
I wish I could eliminate the stereotype of children being depicted as weak and immature when it comes to solving society’s issues. Children have more passion and strength than the majority of adults and if they are focused on an issue important to them, they are able to change the world in order to solve it. Their persistence and pure love are their weapons against the self-interest of adults. Their rights to speak and engage in society’s problems should finally be taken into account and be respected. That’s the reason why YouSmile has created a group called “Children’s Rights Team” that is especially focused on the children’s rights and advocates through many actions for the protection of our rights.
- What is one social or political issue you are passionate about? Why are you passionate about it? Has this impacted you or someone you know directly?
A burning issue that has captured my attention lately is the climate change and the environmental protection. I am most interested about it because its importance is tremendous. The overuse of our natural resources and the pollution are already leading to dangerous weather phenomena and basically, are threatening the human race. And of course, not only me but everyone has been affected by this concerning issue. My community has already been hit by a severe flood and even a neighbor of ours lost his life during that extreme weather phenomenon.
Markella
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My name is Markella and I'm 12 years old. I live in Greece and I was born and raised in Athens. I really want to be a animator cause I like to draw multiple characters and I enjoy watching anime,cartoon and all kinds of animation!I really enjoy listening to music with my headphones for a while before I unfortunately do my homework. My biggest difficulty must be..to concentrate to what I am doing😅.. Well there a lot of challenges throughout the day like trying to avoid all the pollution and chemicals in the air or try to survive crossing the street without having a unpleasing experience of the fear of losing your life at such a early age.
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Angela
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My name is Angela I am 13 years old. I live in Greece and I was born in Athens. When I get older, I want to be a kick box teacher because it's what I love the most in this world. After school, I do roller skating. My biggest difficulty is making friends. The impact that I want to make to the world is that people will never again judge their fellow citizens.
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Vicky
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Age: 18
Athens, Greece I finished high school last year, but now I'm taking exams to get into college. I want to to go into education because I like kids and I want to teach them. I want to study, work, and live here in Athens. In high school I learned to be strong. There are a lot of difficulties we face, like having to take exams more than once. The school systems have issues. For example, the buildings of the public schools are old and they don't have the right equipment to help us progress in school. The schools could fix their problems, but it's going to take a lot of time. The private schools, however, are different; they're in better shape. |
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Iphigenia
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Age: 15
Athens, Greece In ten years, the biggest issue we will face will most likely be unemployment. There is a lot of unemployment here and I am afraid that I will have a hard time finding a job. I feel the biggest issue that Athens is facing is exhaust and pollution because we have a lot of cars and heaters in the winters. Athens is a lot different than the countryside villages of Greece. Literally everything is different. In the village, everyone knows everyone. You can walk everywhere. However, in there isn't much to do in the villages, especially compared to Athens. |
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Anastasia
Age: 13
I live in Athens, and I really like Athens because there are a lot of places to go to pass your time. There are great people living here. I pass my time by drawing and playing my guitar. I also write stories. I'm not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but I really like acting. I have seen a lot of comedians on Youtube and TV that I really like, so maybe an actor. I like my school because of my classmates and because of the building of the school. It's big and the halls are on the outside of the school-- there is no building to the outside. We have a basketball court and a volleyball court. It's fun to pass your time even out of school hours.
I live in Athens, and I really like Athens because there are a lot of places to go to pass your time. There are great people living here. I pass my time by drawing and playing my guitar. I also write stories. I'm not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but I really like acting. I have seen a lot of comedians on Youtube and TV that I really like, so maybe an actor. I like my school because of my classmates and because of the building of the school. It's big and the halls are on the outside of the school-- there is no building to the outside. We have a basketball court and a volleyball court. It's fun to pass your time even out of school hours.
Christina
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Age: 15
Pylos, Messinias, Greece After school, twice a week, I play volleyball with my team. Two other days, I have music. I also am learning two foreign languages: English and French. When I grow up, I want to be an architect. |
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Angelos
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Age: 12
Pylos, Messinias, Greece My favorite subject in school is math because I like doing operations. Outside of school, I like to hang out at the plaza with my friends, but I don't like all of the little kids running around! |
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G
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Age: 12
Pylos, Messinias, Greece I live in Pylos and it's really nice here. Tourists, for example, can see really great views. My friends and I go for walks here and go to the beach. When I grow up, I want to be an actress because I think it suits me well and so do my parents and friends. |
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Anna
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Age: 9
Lidoriki, Fokidas, Greece After school, I like to play with my friends. I like school, especially math. |
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Angeliki
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Age 16
Megalopolis, Arcadia, Greece "My favorite subject in school is math. I like math because you have to think a lot to solve the problems and I like working with numbers. When I get older, I want to be a doctor and go into medicine--maybe a pathologist." |
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Serbia
Birthday Party
Korbovo, Serbia
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Click on the image to enlarge
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The Magic of Christmas
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Korbovo, Serbia
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Marisa
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Korbovo, Serbia
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Mihaela
***WINNER OF CONTEST***
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Korbovo, Serbia
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Wedding Day
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Korbovo, Serbia
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United States of America
Julie (Community Partnership Participant)
Lake Forest, IL
| julie.pdf |
Cristian (Community Partnership Participant)
Brookfield, IL
| cristian.pdf |
Julia
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Age: 16
Kansas City, Kansas "My biggest aspiration is to find something that I enjoy and that benefits others." |
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Mariah
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Age: 16
Kansas City, Kansas Kansas City is known for its barbecue and Jazz music. I want to go into music, and the biggest challenge in my life is being a minority in the music industry and being treated differently than people who aren't minorities. |
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Olivia
Columbus, Ohio
I live in the suburbs near the city to modern day Columbus, a city of evolutionary advancements. I go to a private Catholic school. I am not Catholic, but I love the experience of being able to understand their lifestyle. I am currently a lead in a Women’s Empowerment Group and Fundraising Director in my Junior State of America chapter. I am enlisted in the Air National Guard as well as starting fall semester at a desired college of mine for social work. I want kids to understand that regardless of your race, we are all the same. I am Laotian (Asian), African-American and white and have been able to represent my ethnicities from all perspectives. I hope people can recognize and respect multicultural people someday.
I live in the suburbs near the city to modern day Columbus, a city of evolutionary advancements. I go to a private Catholic school. I am not Catholic, but I love the experience of being able to understand their lifestyle. I am currently a lead in a Women’s Empowerment Group and Fundraising Director in my Junior State of America chapter. I am enlisted in the Air National Guard as well as starting fall semester at a desired college of mine for social work. I want kids to understand that regardless of your race, we are all the same. I am Laotian (Asian), African-American and white and have been able to represent my ethnicities from all perspectives. I hope people can recognize and respect multicultural people someday.
Sam
Naples, Florida
I think it is important to keep the traditions and customs you have either from family for friends.
I think it is important to keep the traditions and customs you have either from family for friends.
Rae
I was born in America, but I am from multiple ethnic backgrounds. I would say that one of the most influential aspects of my life is my depression and interest in mental health issues. In my opinion, many problems can be rooted in the instability and bias that comes from unproductive coping methods with emotions. I believe that with compassion and patience, issues could be solved more effectively if we could all learn to respect each other, despite our differences
George
Chicago, Illinois
People always call me a Nazi because of my blonde hair and blue eyes and German heritage. It’s honestly ridiculous and extremely racist.
People always call me a Nazi because of my blonde hair and blue eyes and German heritage. It’s honestly ridiculous and extremely racist.
Arjun
Illinois
I have a large influence in my background from my Indian heritage and I have had a unique perspective of growing up as an Indian-American, loving both cultures.
I have a large influence in my background from my Indian heritage and I have had a unique perspective of growing up as an Indian-American, loving both cultures.
Naperville, Illinois
A significant topic in my life is my education. Something that really annoys me is how people base you off of what you look like. There have been countless instances of racism in my life in which I have to laugh it off or ignore unless I want to be told “It was a joke.” I hope in the future the concept of personality is more significant that appearance
A significant topic in my life is my education. Something that really annoys me is how people base you off of what you look like. There have been countless instances of racism in my life in which I have to laugh it off or ignore unless I want to be told “It was a joke.” I hope in the future the concept of personality is more significant that appearance
Kenzie
My grandparents are Panamanian. It is a very unique culture, from the food to the farming (they own a free-range chicken farm) to the music and dance; I love it
Sara
Ohio
In my daily life, since I am Muslim, I must pray 5 times a day.
In my daily life, since I am Muslim, I must pray 5 times a day.
KE
Columbus, Ohio
My school is the most diverse of all the schools in the network!
My school is the most diverse of all the schools in the network!
Aditi
Vernon Hills, Illinois
I am from Illinois and my parents are from India, so I’m a first gen. We are very religious and religion (Hinduism) is very important to me. Not for the ritualistic part, but the spiritual part. What I learn in Hinduism is used in my daily life and it influences how I act.
I am from Illinois and my parents are from India, so I’m a first gen. We are very religious and religion (Hinduism) is very important to me. Not for the ritualistic part, but the spiritual part. What I learn in Hinduism is used in my daily life and it influences how I act.
Soumya R.
Naperville, Illinois
To follow and respect other people’s religions is a beautiful learning experience. I grew up in a Hindu family but later found myself at a loss of faith in middle school. However, I still loved learning about my culture. I would participate in Hindu festivals with my family and be opened to a crowd of love for each other and an array of light and color. To learn about art, tales and traditions was very cool as well. My favorite religious experience was when my family traveled to India to climb up a mountain. At the top of that mountain was said to be a reincarnation of God. The journey was long and painful but the top of the mountain was worth it. Up there was an array of life plants and animals, and a big temple thousands of years old containing the lord and hundreds of people praying. Away from my own culture, I love learning about others and their practices as well.
To follow and respect other people’s religions is a beautiful learning experience. I grew up in a Hindu family but later found myself at a loss of faith in middle school. However, I still loved learning about my culture. I would participate in Hindu festivals with my family and be opened to a crowd of love for each other and an array of light and color. To learn about art, tales and traditions was very cool as well. My favorite religious experience was when my family traveled to India to climb up a mountain. At the top of that mountain was said to be a reincarnation of God. The journey was long and painful but the top of the mountain was worth it. Up there was an array of life plants and animals, and a big temple thousands of years old containing the lord and hundreds of people praying. Away from my own culture, I love learning about others and their practices as well.
Gene
Ohio
I wake up every morning to a breakfast probably consisting of eggs. I go to school usually in my mom’s minivan and there I usually have a roast beef sandwich. I then go about my school day and end up at home. Normal, simple, plain. But, it’s a bit different. For dinner, my parents make a variety of foods. The meal must have rice or it’s not a meal. Kimchi is key as well. As I walk through the halls of my school, it’s k-pop I’m listening to and the way I see the world is driven by the fact I’m Korean. Though I may simply be eating a sandwich and riding a minivan, I AM Korean and nothing will change that and I will define that. Because what’s Korean? Me.
I wake up every morning to a breakfast probably consisting of eggs. I go to school usually in my mom’s minivan and there I usually have a roast beef sandwich. I then go about my school day and end up at home. Normal, simple, plain. But, it’s a bit different. For dinner, my parents make a variety of foods. The meal must have rice or it’s not a meal. Kimchi is key as well. As I walk through the halls of my school, it’s k-pop I’m listening to and the way I see the world is driven by the fact I’m Korean. Though I may simply be eating a sandwich and riding a minivan, I AM Korean and nothing will change that and I will define that. Because what’s Korean? Me.
Marina A.
Miami, Florida
To respect all cultures and thrive off of anyone’s individual likes because in my hometown, we have all kinds of cultures. I’m from Spain living in Miami and respecting origins like my own is such an intense value for me.
To respect all cultures and thrive off of anyone’s individual likes because in my hometown, we have all kinds of cultures. I’m from Spain living in Miami and respecting origins like my own is such an intense value for me.
Jorge
Florida
In Cuba, people still drive cars from the 1950’s. There are no technological advances because of the regime in the country.
In Cuba, people still drive cars from the 1950’s. There are no technological advances because of the regime in the country.
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Madeleine K.Chicago, Illinois
Age at time of composition: 11 |
UK
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My name is Harry P. and I was born in Zimbabwe in 1993. We fled because there was an economic crisis in Zimbabwe. I have been an advocate for young people in Global advocacy from the age of 15. This started by being selected to be part of the UK delegation to the G8 in Italy in 2009. I persisted as I wanted to continue my passion for changing the world. I represented Unicef, British Youth council and Restless development in High-level conferences advocating for the rights of young people. In 2014 I Co-founded Youth for Change Global .The success of Youth for Change has spread globally with regional offices in Tanzania,Bangladesh and Ethiopia . We have won numerous awards including the True Honour Award from IKWRO. At grass roots level I coordinated a National schools conference where we trained 200 school officials, teachers and police on Female genital mutilation and Early Forced Marriage to make schools a safer place. Since then Harry has worked as a researcher and consultant in UK politics.Recently I have been awarded the Queens Young leader award for his services to bettering the lives of young people in the Commonwealth. The ceremony was given to me by Her Majesty the Queen in June 2018. I have also given numerous speeches in Parliament, Party conferences and Number 10 and has remained consistent in his messaging of ‘Young people are not just service users they are world changers’. I have also held a board position with UNICEF for 5 years and is an official He for She ambassador for UN Women. I currently works in the Cabinet Office in UK government. My expertise is centred around national/international policy, global youth advocacy, Leadership, and Gender-based violence. It has been a crazy journey but this is just the start.
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