I credit my history teachers for so many things. Because they are far more than just my teachers. They are friends — friends of many students, I should note. And, they have taught me so much. Through active discussions and projects of previous and continuing events, including social, political, and economic movements, I have learned that progress is continuous, and freedom is certainly not free. They are the reason why I have discovered what I’m most passionate about: youth and civic activism.

Now, I haven’t graduated high school yet, but I will in June. And I don’t think it is too early to begin thanking educators for the typically thankless work they do every single day. A common thread I have discerned from looking at historical events (and current events, too) is that many movements are powered and influenced by younger people. Including those who aren’t even old enough to vote, like myself, and like most high school students.

Some of you are probably very keen of my views. Some of you probably aren’t. The point is, that I am very passionate. And I think that the level of passion from youth is something we’re seeing rise.  The level of activism is increasing, and it’s inspiring to witness. Yet, I also talk about many controversial issues, including gun control. And, when I do talk about an issue like that, whether that be on facebook or in my letters to the editor, it is always followed by negativity. Here’s why:

It is sometimes because of my views, but more often, as I have seen, it is because I’m young, I “can’t vote,” and that my “opinions don’t matter.” Well, if I interpret those phrases well, it sounds sure enough to me that they undermine the whole point of the democracy we live in: which is for the people and by the people. And, nowhere, in any of our founding principles or documents, does it say that, because of our age or opinion, are we excluded from this amazing democratic process that too many of us take for granted.

One of the most unique aspects of a democracy is the array of political opinions, viewpoints, and arguments. Respect is a core value of mine, and I try really hard to respect everyone. But, I can’t always—there really are just cruel people in this world. But, there are many, many more people who aren’t cruel—people who are good, inspiring, and awesome in so many ways. All I ask of you is that you respect my right to my own opinion, and in return, I will respect your right to your own opinion.

So now comes the most challenging part of this all, but the part I’m passionate about: civic discussions. Because of technology’s growing presence in our lives, I think it is a disruptor of civic discussions. A lot of the time, we are expressing our opinions online, looking into a computer screen--not even talking to the person face-to-face. And I think that is unfortunate, because it takes away an important part of civic engagement. Yet, technology is also useful, as I say this to you writing on my computer, knowing that the outreach of my message will likely be greater.

Furthermore, relating back to civic engagement and discussion, when we as youth do speak our minds, we are often criticized by those who are not in our shoes, who don’t go through our struggles. It is okay if they are or aren’t aware of what we endure, but it is wrong to criticize us for that fact.

As someone who participated in the Camden Hills Regional High School walkout on Thursday, March 15, I, along with my peers, have already been criticized for our age, and for leading with our emotions. Would you like to know why we’re emotional? It’s because, throughout our entire school education, we have grown up alongside the problem, the fear, of school shootings. And there are those of us who are afraid to come to school—who don’t feel physically or emotionally safe.

So excuse for us being emotional, for being passionate, for giving a damn about our lives. The people who make these comments are from the same generation of people who are not changing anything—who are doing nothing to protect us. So, we students, will change that, since you have neglected to ensure that more students—more of us—won’t die. Maybe listening to what my generation has to say will help some of you understand our struggles. We’re advocating for our safety; a right which we certainly have.

But reflecting back, I remember that my history teachers have taught me invaluable concepts — concepts which are evident through this nation’s continuous social, political, and economic movements: Progress, as I said previously, is continuous, and freedom is not free. I aspire to be a part of that process.

And, finally, I know this is all a lot, but despite the negativity from some, I look in the positive direction. And I continue my work to support youth, who, like myself, just want to be involved and make a difference. And I thank my history teachers, and any teachers really, who have taught us students that our voices do matter. And that we can be passionate. And that our emotions do matter, and are a reason for advocacy. Thank you.

“Democracy is not a static thing. It is an everlasting march.” — President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Jackson Chadwick lives in Camden