Deara Okonkwo, 18, will be the first to tell you she’s “ambitious.” At age 17, when most American teens are just finishing high school, Deara graduated from a prestigious university with a degree in English and a …

Brady Baldwin may be one of the busiest teens you’ll ever meet: A junior in high school, he’s in the International Baccalaureate Program and 4-H; he’s an Eagle Scout, a recipient of the Hornaday Medal …

Named by TIME Magazine as a “Hero for the Planet,” Simon Jackson is a tireless champion for British Columbia’s endangered white Kermode or spirit bear.
Simon, now 26, launched his Spirit Bear Youth Coalition at the …

by Megan, 17, USA
The summer before ninth grade, I starved myself.  I starved myself to the point that I was diagnosed with anorexia.  I had every single symptom.  But the scariest part of it is …

by Chawapol Fahumnuayphol, 22, Ireland
“You will remain in Ireland longer for what? Volunteering for homeless people is such a waste of time. You should think more for your future.” 
That was what my Dad told me …

by Miranda Fix, 19, USA
There is an old folktale about a father who teaches his sons a lesson by asking them to break an individual chopstick, which they do without any trouble.
He then gathers a …

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by Kit, 17, Canada
I live in a town with beautiful sunsets. The sea comes up and caresses the coast and the sun sinks over the mountains across the ocean.
I …

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by Farid Firmanysah, 19, Canada
It happened four years ago when I was in Indonesia. Like usual, I had to live my ordinary life: wake up in the morning, …

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by Ana Stjelja, 24, Serbia
I’m in love with a person who is different from me.  When I say different, I mean in the religious, national, cultural sense.
My love relationship …

by Dylan, 16, USA
My whole life I have viewed myself as a spectator, telling myself I’m not someone who can make a difference. I wished I could be. I thought that maybe, someday, possibly, hopefully, …

by Antonio, 13, Philippines
I believe that I may be just a kid, but I can do great things in this world!  I want to show my fellow citizens that we can help our environment. 
 
As a …

by Salma, 16, Egypt
When I was a little child, I didn’t understand why people around the world were talking so much about Palestine or other occupied lands.
I didn’t understand why those people are suffering occupation. …

by Hilda, 14, Uganda
I have had enough suffering and met many hardships along my journey in this world.  I wish to share a few with you.
When I was only one year old, my father died …

by Dan Eldon (1970-1993)
Saturday night was a full moon and I was in a bar in Santa Monica. On my left side sat an old man nursing a tall glass of Southern Comfort.
If I seemed …