Savannah T. Reed, 06/11/12

High school student in Massachusetts

Sure and firm self-esteem will keep us steady and confident when we emerge into a new world. Never lost, we will always know who we are, wherever we are.

Nathan Chen, 05/11/12

High school student in Virginia

The American experience is the pursuit of personal freedom -- a free and just life without oppression or prejudice. Personal freedom is what we, as Americans, have been fighting for.

Han Bin Lee, 05/11/12

High school student in Virginia

As an immigrant, I remember the intense discrimination faced by non-white individuals after the terrorist attacks of September 11. Clouds of fear, hatred and injustice overshadowed the U.S.

McKenzy Seifert, 06/08/12

High school student in Oregon

In the end, there are lots of things we are going to want in our lives, but they won't all come to us. I hope that this Class of 2012 keeps looking. There's no telling what we'll find!

Jake Fischer, 06/08/12

17-year-old senior at Cherry Hill High School East in New Jersey

Sports have created a worldwide community where almost anyone can feel connected with one person based solely on a love and passion for a game.

Jess Coleman, 06/08/12

Student, New York City Lab School

The next time you hear Romney declare his support for our military and its strength, remember that even he wouldn't join the ranks. And it wouldn't hurt to put yourself to the same test.

Karli Gillespie, 06/08/12

High school student in Virginia

It's a risk. It's a challenging journey. It's something out of the ordinary. It's adventure. The spirit of adventure is a value that has never escaped our hearts as Americans.

Sepehr Zomorodi, 06/08/12

High school student in Virginia

Even some of the greatest minds of science stand behind the theory of Social Darwinism. Remarkably, what is often overlooked is the tactic used by the "strong" in order to "survive."

Olivia Zed, 06/07/12

G(irls)20 Summit correspondent

Together, we stand to face what is one of the 21st century's greatest obstacles -- the marginalization and disenfranchisement of women.

Alexis Jane Torre, 06/07/12

18-year-old high school senior

After working hard for four years to graduate with honors, I finally realized that I don't need to justify why I deserve to sleep in, catch up with friends, and put away my planner this summer.

Emma Olson, 06/07/12

High school student in Virginia

Conflict is to America as air is to the Earth. It's everywhere. We've all seen it or experienced it: a bully picking on smaller kids and the kids standing up to the bully.

Joanna Ro, 06/07/12

High school student in Virginia

When the people who are responsible for leading the United States and ensuring its well-being are so comfortable with deceiving its citizens, how does that reflect upon our country?

Madlin Mekelburg, 06/06/12

High school student in Virginia

This concept of individual supremacy and advancement in America has infiltrated even the most basic parts of our society, and is constantly enforced at every age level.

Brooks Henne, 06/06/12

High school student in Virginia

Americans have had to face tumultuous times throughout the history of their country. But Americans have overcome each of these struggles, despite how difficult they may have been.