2008 Woodie Awards
My View: Go vote; our generation can make the difference
By: Kristine Fetalco
Issue date: 9/16/04 Section: Opinion
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Day by day, as the presidential election looms closer, party supporters are breaking the surface; even at school, we cannot fail to notice the determined recruiters whose only wish is to register as many college students as they possibly can before the registration deadline.
I have noticed that there are a lot of young people who try to elude these recruiters, perhaps because they don't want to be burdened by the reponsibility, but you cannot sit in suppression forever, as it will get you nowhere.
Those recruiters are toiling under the sweltering heat of the noontime sun because they are aware of the power that young people, especially the eloquent and opinionated minds of college students, possess.
Our generation is infamous for being carefree, for not being serious enough to handle great responsibilities and certain expectations, for seeing everything within hand's reach, like something that mommy and daddy can give us in a jiffy.
We are also ridiculed for our obsession with violence, as seen in our excessive video-game playing and avid viewing of nonsensical shows like reality TV.
Yes, we can enjoy our youth, but we also have to start proving to our elders that we are no longer the lost generation they make us out to be.
We have to demonstrate that we are educated and that we know the magnitude of the power we possess.
Accordingly, we have to take responsability for our actions and start thinking about things we can do to make a difference.
We have to show our elders that we are informed enough and we are taking part in the political process by owning the stand that has been made for us.
Though voting is a forceful thing, I believe that it is not the only way to participate in the political process.
What about those who are not eligible to vote, or those who are not old enough, like me?
You can volunteer. There are a handful of resources you can rely on, such as organizations like "Rock the Vote." Its goal is not only to recruit people but also to empower young people to create social and political change.
I have noticed that there are a lot of young people who try to elude these recruiters, perhaps because they don't want to be burdened by the reponsibility, but you cannot sit in suppression forever, as it will get you nowhere.
Those recruiters are toiling under the sweltering heat of the noontime sun because they are aware of the power that young people, especially the eloquent and opinionated minds of college students, possess.
Our generation is infamous for being carefree, for not being serious enough to handle great responsibilities and certain expectations, for seeing everything within hand's reach, like something that mommy and daddy can give us in a jiffy.
We are also ridiculed for our obsession with violence, as seen in our excessive video-game playing and avid viewing of nonsensical shows like reality TV.
Yes, we can enjoy our youth, but we also have to start proving to our elders that we are no longer the lost generation they make us out to be.
We have to demonstrate that we are educated and that we know the magnitude of the power we possess.
Accordingly, we have to take responsability for our actions and start thinking about things we can do to make a difference.
We have to show our elders that we are informed enough and we are taking part in the political process by owning the stand that has been made for us.
Though voting is a forceful thing, I believe that it is not the only way to participate in the political process.
What about those who are not eligible to vote, or those who are not old enough, like me?
You can volunteer. There are a handful of resources you can rely on, such as organizations like "Rock the Vote." Its goal is not only to recruit people but also to empower young people to create social and political change.