Most have heard phrases similar to, “our children are the future”, and while this is true, it doesn’t explain reality in full. These kids are essential to the civic world of the present, so, how do their beliefs and actions shape the way the world views diplomacy? How does classroom participation drive students toward diplomacy? Lastly, how will the young generations of the present shape the world in which we live?

            As a high school junior myself, I have been able to witness many conversations pertaining to this topic, and gain a lot of insights on my generation’s perspective of the world. I’ve watched many people change their minds based on discussions they’ve had. It’s not that they’re changing every belief they’ve already established, but they hear something that they really resonate with. If you haven’t personally experienced this shift, you likely haven’t been involved with civil discussion in its true essence.

            So, the classroom is a domain for civic engagement, but how do these seemingly mere class discussions expand their horizons to the society in which we live? The students that participate in these discussions are also the students who go home and see what's on the news, the students that read the headlines, the students who repost current events on their socials, and the students, who like the majority of people, ultimately want what’s best for the world. This age is absolutely vital in how current students will turn into our world leaders. This generation is taking the initiative to become educated, put themselves out there, and truly proliferate their messages.

            So, how do students demonstrate this passion for diplomacy in the classroom? I have been lucky enough to participate in several World Affairs Council of New Hampshire diplomacy simulations, in which students study numerous perspectives of different unions, countries, and organizations focused on a critical global issue. These simulations allowed students to step out of their comfort zone and experience diplomacy. The reason all students get excited over these sorts of discussions stems from the fact that they are equal with their peers. This peaceful environment allows for students to be more comfortable than a more competitive domain. While many students tend to disengage during their history classes, diplomacy simulations allow students to step out of their comfort zone and learn through experience.

            So, how can we all learn from the students of today? There is substantial generational change happening in the world, that of which may feel foreign and uncomfortable to older generations. But, this change is necessary for our world to grow and develop; nobody has gone anywhere from staying exactly the same. This idea can be summarized by what Nick Watson, my world history teacher, said about this topic. He stated, “Through passing the torch, we learn what worked and what cycles we have to break.” Overall, the future is reliant on how we encourage and nourish the passion and education of our youth, as well as flexibility and acceptance of new ideas.

- Charlotte Lewis, Bow High School Student