Annual Youth Initiative contest

My Hope. My Vote. My Future.

College Winner - Third Place

Kirene Bolsen-Long

My Hope. My Vote. My Future.

History and rhetoric teach us that every individual has a voice shaping their future. As a 14-year-old in college, I resonate deeply with this notion. My hope, my vote, and my future are bound together, defining not only my journey but also the trajectory for generations to come.

My Hope

Being in college at a young age is challenging, but it's also illuminating. I yearn for a world where equality is a lived reality, not just a textbook term. Where our environment is a treasure we safeguard, not a battleground. And where education, my current platform, is accessible to all.

My Vote

Though I'm years away from my first official vote, daily choices are personal "votes" that mold the world. I've chosen early higher education as a vote for ambition. Advocating for issues like sustainability and women's rights, I vote for positive change. Each question, dialogue, and paper during these years shapes the change-maker I aim to become.

My Future

The future is not distant; it's crafted by our present actions. I see my academic journey as an inspiration for others to break age stereotypes. Awaiting my first official vote, I'm also eager to inspire peers to harness their hope, casting votes in all life's arenas.

In conclusion, the bond between hope, vote, and future is universal, transcending age. As a young scholar, I exemplify youth's power, and I'm confident each of us can color tomorrow