Well, the papers from the students that I interviewed from Fellowship Christian Academy keep coming in from their participation in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy competition. Here is the third paper (Previous papers: Peter, Maggie).
Guest post by Laura:
“The habits and character you’re forming now will shape who you are going to be when you grow up.” My mom tells me that all the time, usually because I’m doing something I probably shouldn’t be. It’s so true though. How our generation deals with life now, as teenagers, will affect not only us personally, but the others around us as well; how we act as a whole will define the future of America. So how can we live life now to have a positive influence on our country?
First off, we should know what makes our country be our country. Our independence isn’t something handed over to us on a silver platter. We have paid dearly for our liberties, from the second America was formed. Men and women have fought to obtain and ensure our freedom, sacrificing their time, energy, and in many cases, their lives. All this, so we can enjoy our rights; so we can worship how and when we want to. So we can say what we think and feel, without any fear. So if we think our government is doing wrong, we can protest that, and our voices will be heard. Those are just a few examples of what our soldiers are dying for to protect. Next time you see someone who puts their life on the line, so you can live yours, stop, and thank them. Let them know that their acts of courage are appreciated by the people they are serving.
Secondly, we should actively…
… be involved in our country. Maybe I’m just a normal, average fifteen-year-old sophomore attending a tiny school. But I can still make a difference. I can hold signs for the people that I support who are running for seats in the government. I can attend rallies, make phone calls, and help out the local candidates. And so can every other person in my generation. Our voices can be heard. We just need to take the effort to raise them.
And finally, we need to be aware that the choices we make today, will define our tomorrow. Right now, our whole generation is walking down the path of life. But at some point, there’s going to be a fork in the road, and we’re going to have to make a choice.
One option is, we can fit in to the standards that society has set for us. Somehow, it seems that everyone just expects us to be lazy, and do whatever we want. ‘Cause we’re teenagers; everyone knows that this is the highlight of our lives, and we should spend it enjoying ourselves. Right?
Wrong. If that’s how we all live now, how are we going to know how to handle pressure when we become adults? How will we be able to work diligently and responsibly? How are we going to take over as the next leaders of our country?
But remember, that option isn’t the only one we have. We don’t have to fit the mold that is set for us. We can and should be mature and responsible NOW. Being an average highschool student, well, that’s great. But going above and beyond, and doing your best to excel in everything you do, that’s even better. We can surpass the expectations that are held for us. And when our generation grows to adulthood, we’ll be ready. We’ll be able to face the challenges life throws at us, and succeed.
We will be able to work diligently and responsibly. We will be able to take over as the next leaders of our country. We can cut excess spending, and downsize the national debt. We can secure our borders. We can help get rid of crime. But we have to begin to act now.
See, America is a reflection of her people. Who we are now shapes and forms what we will become. Who we become forms what America becomes. So, does my generation just have a role in America’s future? No. My generation is America’s future.
