By: Martha Isabella Alexandra S. Carlos of Grade 8C – Aristotle
“If the youth could change the world, why aren’t they able to freely express it?”
Aria is a quiet, shy girl who sits at the back of the class, attentively listening to the teacher. She isn’t one to speak up or stand on stage, but she has always dreamed of inspiring others with her words. However, her shyness keeps her from taking that risk.
Aria was a campus journalist at her old school, writing opinion editorials on global issues. Her two-page articles were displayed on the bulletin board, and students often said they enjoyed reading them. In her new school, there was no journalism department, but students were required to join an upcoming regional journalism competition. Although teachers felt unprepared, the English department came up with a new idea—one that had never been done before.
Each grade level was assigned a specific type of article. Aria’s grade, Grade 8, was tasked to write a short opinion article reflecting on issues in school, society, and the world. Upon hearing this, she quickly grabbed her notebook and began jotting down her ideas. She wasn’t fully prepared, but she knew she could manage.
Name: Aria Avanza
Date: March 23, 2026
Grade & Section: 8 – Loyalty
Today, Tomorrow: The Youth’s Power in Changing the World
As young people, do we truly recognize our responsibility to address the world’s challenges and make it a better place for everyone? At any given moment, problems—big or small—arise somewhere in the world, affecting lives every minute. Yet no matter how hard we try, we cannot solve everything all at once.
The role of youth should not be underestimated when discussing solutions to pollution, sustainability, climate change, and education. Having experienced the consequences of past mistakes, young people are among those most affected by the decisions of previous generations.
Our platforms are used now more than ever to advocate and lead. However, this alone is not enough to ensure that our voices truly influence decisions or that leaders genuinely listen to our concerns. Every day, new social issues arise, yet many young people still lack access to the resources and support needed to participate fully in civic life.
We do not simply deserve symbolic participation—such as a school stage or a social media post. We deserve meaningful engagement: a seat at the table where our perspectives are heard, valued, and considered. We must be empowered and inspired to contribute to national and global progress.
We are the youth—the changemakers, innovators, torchbearers, and leaders of tomorrow.
Her goal was to inspire and advocate through her words once more, bringing back the writer within her. The clock ticked slowly as the bell waited to ring. Her hands ached from holding the pen that brought her thoughts to life. At exactly 2:30 PM, she submitted her notebook along with the others.
Doubt filled her mind. Was it enough? Was it well-written? Would she be included—or would this be another missed opportunity?
A week later, the list of selected members was posted on the school bulletin board. As soon as Aria heard the announcement, she rushed to check the names. There, her eyes filled with tears of joy—her name was on the list. She had been chosen as one of the official members and the first Grade 8 Assistant Editor.
She silently thanked God for the opportunity to write again.
From that moment on, she grew more confident. She began speaking up about issues others were afraid to address. She presented her essay in both school and regional competitions, where many students were inspired by her words.
This was only the beginning for someone who refused to let hesitation define her. As she moved forward with her fellow members, she carried with her a purpose—to advocate, to inspire, and to use her voice for her nation, for the youth, and for the world.
Para sa kabataan, para sa mundo’t bayan.
“One of the selected writers for March, highlighting the theme: Youth Voice and Awareness.”