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Perpetuate Democracy

One of my biggest challenges is abstaining from the regular teenage lifestyle. When others are getting ready to go to the ‘hottest party of the year’, you can bet your last dollar that I’m on a conference call with members from other leftist/grassroots organizations; when others are rushing out of the school building at 2:35 pm on a Friday afternoon, you can rest assured that I’m not leaving until 5:00 pm; when others are deciding on whom to take to prom, you should know better than to ask me because I’ll be demonstrating in Washington DC. And do you know what, fellow activists? It’s alright.

Our generation will be the most diverse generation in the history of the United States. Do you know what this means? We have the ability to make such a strong statement. Latino, black, white, or yellow—if we stand together, hand in hand, can you begin to fathom the impact we’d have if we all worked together? We are 45 million strong right now. There is not enough time to be worrying about your hair, clothes, or boyfriend/girlfriends. Don’t you see? Our society is sick, and we need to make it better.

Do you think I forgot to introduce myself? Well, I don’t think so. I think I introduced myself as the liberal young woman who is very passionate about strengthening our society. I’m 17 years old. I’m a Bolivian and Pakistani student journalist, activist, and feminist. I am a High School Organizer as well as a front-page blogger on Amplify. If you want to get involved in activism, visit www.cristinalara.com. I’m sure you’ll find something that interests you!

So, my fellow activists, if you ever find yourself facing the same challenge I face, (abstaining from the regular teenage lifestyle), I hope you’re able to understand the wonderful impact you have on society. Sure, you may feel socially deprived at this stage in life, but do you know what, my fellow activists? It’s alright. I look forward to seeing your name and face on the cover of Time Magazine and The Economist. It is then that you will look back on your teenage activist years and realize that you really did make a difference.

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