"But I do know, Mr. President, that now is our time to act. In the hopes that my words matter, A student dreaming of a better tomorrow"

"Please make more playgrounds, because I like playgrounds."

"President, I ask that you support my community by putting more money into helping children talk about what they have seen in their lives."

"Imagine, if you will, this vision so grand,/ A realm of harmony, hand in hand."

"It would help me for my family to be able to travel here, because I could show them new things that they don’t know yet, like the rules that are different here."

"If you visit Los Angeles, I would like you to visit my house, and I’ll show you where the homeless people live. I will donate my own money to help."

"I’m writing to share my story about climate change that has been impacting me, my community, and the Earth."

"My family may have to move if more anti-LGBTQ+ laws are passed."

"My voice rings bells,/ for the change we need to make,"

"The starting gun went off and everybody took off. I saw my own teammates ahead of me as well as those of the competing school. I felt the adrenaline rush pushing me to try and keep up and go even faster. "

"Public speaking has given me the opportunity to influence decisions, create connections with my community, and hold myself accountable."

"Your first heartbreak makes you want to build up walls with the world."

"I am now proud, more than anything, of being a resident of the neighborhood because I am more in-tune with my identity. I will continue to advocate for this tender community I have come to love so dearly."

"Belonging to two cultures is difficult, especially when one is not inclusive of who I am."

"Even when this kid was warring internally, he found himself pushing himself ahead through the things he loves."

" I was tired of this mandatory prison breaking me down physically and mentally. As the world recovered, I longed for a purpose beyond being indoors."

"The aroma of home-cooked delicacies, the warmth of familial bonds—these became the cornerstones of my upbringing, grounding me in a rich tapestry of culture and identity."