By the final years of high school, something begins to change. For many students, curiosity gives way to routine. Learning becomes increasingly focused on completing assignments, preparing for exams, and earning grades. The sense of wonder that comes so naturally in childhood (remember that feeling?) can slowly be replaced by simply getting through the next semester. Recent research highlights some of the challenges students face in today's classrooms. According to...
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Walking through the Peace Park, my soul would tremble due to the cold that was brought on by the horrors of war, especially August 6th, 1945, the day when the A-bomb, also known as “Little Boy,” was dropped on the city of Hiroshima. Among the thousands who were killed, a vast number were kids — innocent kids with dreams in their eyes and aspirations in their minds. This painting is not only my reflection of my time in Japan but also my perspective towards all forms of violence around the world.
The bomb represents war, violence, abuse, trafficking, poverty, and all forms of societal failures around the world. The child is the FUTURE: the future of our generation, every dream, every aspiration, and above all it is the characterization of humanity. Every year, thousands of children are killed in some form of violent incident, whether it be the refugee crisis or high school shootings. Living in Hiroshima and reflecting on the city’s past was the stimulus for me to express my voice. We need to initiate the change that we want to see in the world. Now is the time to break walls and start building bridges, to extend our arms, and to open our doors for those in need; to protect each other, to support each other and to live with each other.
-Class of 2020 Student Zaki A.