‘Children, Teens and Students’ by Ivonne Segura

This piece was part of the Ánimo Voices Competition, which invited students to write about innovators, upstanders, visionaries, or rebels that have made a difference in their local or broader communities. The competition was an opportunity to motivate, recognize, and celebrate our strong student voices through writing and art.

Children, Teens and Students

by Ivonne Segura, 12th grade, Ánimo Leadership Charter High School

Children, Teens and Students
the hope of our future
They are ignored and criticized
but can’t you see that They advertise?
They advertise the rights of Immigrants and Queers and Women
They all advertise the “different but equal” image

You think i am lying?
You think i would lie?
what about the protest They’ve supported?
and the Awareness They’ve arosen?
and what about the wrongs that They have reported?
and You think They are horrid?

in schools and communities and cities
there are student organizations making a difference
Stonewall Alliance, supporting LGBT rights
M.E.C.H.A, attending rallies and protests and advocating for immigrants rights
Khalo Club, raising awareness about sexism and promoting feminism
doesn’t this look like the youth that is fighting?
tell me no and I’ll think you’re denying
tell me no and I’ll think you’re undermining
Them, the youth for their efforts and Their striving

The youth
makes an impact in my community and in yours
They make an impact by opening closed doors
Haven’t you heard about the rallies?
or the fundraisers that They are having?
supporting undocumented students and raising awareness about global warming?
what about the awareness of bullying, body shaming, and slut shaming?
haven’t you notice that They fight against what You have left standing?
Don’t tell me that the youth is a burden
Don’t dare to tell me that They have no purpose
Children, Teens and Students
They are the ones that impact our cities and schools through their innovations