Across the United States, high school students have been prompted to share their thoughts on the iconic phrase, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This endeavor provides a window into the aspirations and challenges faced by the younger generation. A note of caution: the following content touches on sensitive themes, including self-harm.
Perspectives of Youth on American Ideals
AYESHA RASCOE, HOST: As the United States nears its 250th year of independence, students nationwide have been invited to submit podcasts reflecting on “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The projects feature interviews with veterans, government officials, and immigrants chasing the American dream. Here are insights from the four high school winners of the America 250 student podcast challenge. Please note, one story addresses suicide. NPR’s Lauren Migaki reports.
Youth Voting Rights in Focus
GRACE KEPKA: Turning 16 this summer marked a pivotal moment for me, as I prepare to cast my vote in the upcoming election this November.
LAUREN MIGAKI, BYLINE: The podcast by Grace Kepka and Angelika Garrett underlines the significance of youth participation in voting.
ANGELIKA GARRETT: Grace resides in Takoma Park, Maryland, one of the few U.S. cities permitting residents under 18 to vote in local elections.
MIGAKI: Their podcast includes an interview with Takoma Park’s mayor, Talisha Searcy.
TALISHA SEARCY: “Some of our elections are decided based on, like, fewer than 10 votes, like, 20 votes. The youth vote can actually decide an election.”
MIGAKI: Kepka and Garrett, students at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, believe that enabling young voters fosters responsible citizenship.
KEPKA: “Today, the question of who is allowed to vote and who faces either direct or indirect barriers to voting is a question of who we allow to participate in our democracy.”
Voices from the Past: Veterans’ Stories
MIGAKI: At Carmel High School in California, Violet Maxinoski revisited her mother’s experiences serving in Iraq with the Army in 2003-2004.
VIOLET MAXINOSKI: My mom documented her journey in a journal while navigating cities marred by bombings and checkpoints.
MIGAKI: Sandi Maxinoski, Violet’s mom, shared her writings.
SANDI MAXINOSKI: “I’m sitting in a little Iraqi cafe, waiting for the waiter to bring me chai.”
MIGAKI: This narrative reflects on the concept of freedom and choice that is absent in war zones.
S MAXINOSKI: “It’s having the choice to go and do whatever I want. Choice is what makes us free. It’s what makes life interesting, keeps things exciting. Choice does not exist in war.”
MIGAKI: Violet and Sandi acknowledge the often-overlooked freedoms in life.
V MAXINOSKI: “For something repeated so often, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the words can start to lose their shape until you hear them somewhere else, somewhere louder, somewhere closer to danger.”
Legacy of the Vietnam War
MIGAKI: Ursula Koestner from Roslyn High School in New York explores the impact of the Vietnam War on her family.
URSULA KOESTNER: “My dad says that the Vietnam War destroyed my grandfather. In the wake of my grandpa’s suicide and trying to understand it, I endeavored to find out what my father meant by that.”
MIGAKI: Her grandfather’s life was altered by a narrow escape during the war.
CHRIS KOESTNER: “He was supposed to go on a flight and there was no room for him. So he caught the next helicopter.”
MIGAKI: Tragically, the first helicopter was downed, resulting in the loss of all aboard.
U KOESTNER: “The Vietnam War destroyed more than it saved, even decades after its end. My grandfather remains one of its victims despite returning home alive.”
MIGAKI: Ursula’s exploration revealed the ongoing need for healing among Vietnam veterans.
FRED SGANGA: “We’re pushing the general public that every time they see a Vietnam veteran, to use the phrase welcome home because 50 years ago, they were not welcomed home.”
Immigrant Journeys and American Dreams
MIGAKI: At Mercer Island High School in Washington, Makayla Cheung recounts her father’s immigration story from Hong Kong to the U.S.
MAKAYLA CHEUNG: “He was leaving behind the only world he ever knew for a dream he couldn’t yet name.”
MIGAKI: In the U.S., sports became a vital outlet for Raymond Cheung.
RAYMOND CHEUNG: “I remember my first year running on the cross-country team in college and not understand what the coach was saying. He speaks so fast. Luckily, running doesn’t require much communication.”
MIGAKI: Makayla reflects on the values her father imparted.
M CHEUNG: “Cross-country isn’t just about speed. It’s about pain tolerance and it’s about staying uncomfortable for a long period of time before you see the results. My dad realized that if he could survive the hard practices and the long mile runs, that he could survive a business meeting, a career setback and any loneliness he experienced from being an immigrant.”
MIGAKI: Makayla sees her father’s perseverance as a cornerstone for her own aspirations in America.
Lauren Migaki, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
RASCOE: If you or someone you know is in crisis or if you’re thinking about hurting yourself, you can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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