A group of tenth graders at Lenoir County Early College High School share their thoughts on the issues that matter most to them.
Teenagers often face stereotypes of being disconnected from politics, but a group of tenth graders from Lenoir County Early College High School is proving that what matters to them goes beyond the surface. In a roundtable discussion, these students candidly shared the platforms and issues that catch their attention, from education and immigration to public safety and equality. Their insights reveal a generation not only aware of the challenges they face but eager to understand how political decisions shape their futures.
The students’ perspectives highlight what truly matters to young people navigating today’s complex political landscape. While youth voter turnout has declined, these students are focused on understanding the policies and leaders that align with their concerns. Whether it’s access to affordable education, the safety of their communities, or the rights of marginalized groups, these future voters are already forming the values that will guide their civic engagement.
For many of the students, education emerged as a central issue—both as a personal priority and a broader societal concern.
Madison Johnson expressed how her own educational journey fuels her political interest.
“I think it’s my education that I’m trying to work toward,” she said. “I want the candidate, whoever is going to become president, to want that too, for me.”
Others linked education to economic barriers, highlighting the challenges many young people face.
“A big problem that I think affects kids my age is education,” said Kaylee Taylor. “Everybody I know already kind of has their future planned out, and a lot of it deals with school. So I think it’s important that we’re able to do what we want to do with our futures.”
Landon Loftin echoed these concerns, emphasizing the role of financial limitations.
“If you already know what you want to do, but you don’t have the money or resources to get there, that’s really bad,” he said. “And I feel like that happens to a lot of people.”
For some students, the conversation shifted to immigration, reflecting personal connections and a desire for systemic change.
“Immigration is one because I come from immigrant parents, and a lot of my support system is made up of immigrants,” said Destiny Hernandez Salaiss. “I wouldn’t want them to be falsely accused of something or taken away because they don’t have rights or protection under the law.”
Ranea Mohammed shared a similar perspective, explaining how immigration policies directly impact her family.
“Most of my family is from Yemen. Some of them are still there, like my sister, and I really want to help her get here,” she said.
Public safety also resonated with the students, with some focusing on the relationship between law enforcement and their communities.
“I think a big issue that affects us is public safety,” said Lily Paulk. “If our police officers can’t do their job, then we aren’t safe from people who do bad things.”
Hernandez Salaiss connected this issue to her own family’s experiences.
“I know for some people, like my parents, they see the police with fear,” she said. “I want somebody to change that so we see policemen as people who are going to help us, not someone to fear.”
Social and economic issues also featured prominently in the discussion.
“I think it’s probably my rights, because now there’s the abortion rights and how the government is involved in a woman’s rights,” said Cassidy Hayes.
Macy Schmidt highlighted the importance of equality alongside education.
“For me personally, probably LGBTQ rights as well as education, because I’m pretty strong on getting a good education,” she said.
Economic challenges, particularly inflation, were a concern for students like Deliliah Shifflett.
“A big issue for me is inflation because prices just won’t quit going up,” she said. “At this rate, it’s going to be really hard to buy a house or just start a life for people my age.”
Throughout the discussion, students voiced a clear desire to be heard and taken seriously by politicians and adults.
“The youth now has different world problems and situations that are going on,” said Hernandez Salaiss. “Instead of focusing on the past, it’s about focusing on the things happening now to better those issues.”
Schmidt emphasized the growing influence of young voters.
“Politicians and adults need to realize the power of the youth,” she said. “We’re getting more civically engaged, and once we’re all voting age, that will have a huge impact.”
The students’ insights reveal a generation that is engaged, curious, and eager to make a difference. Their priorities—whether rooted in education, immigration, public safety, or economic stability—reflect a deep awareness of the challenges facing their communities and the broader world.
As Hayes aptly put it, “A big issue to me would have to be immigration and education. I’m actually going to be one of the first to graduate in my family.”
These voices may be young, but their perspectives hold the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future.
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Word nerd with an unhealthy obsession with politics who happens to be a paranormal fiction author.
Email her at kristy@neusenews.com
Word nerd with an unhealthy obsession with politics who happens to be a paranormal fiction author.
Email her at kristy@neusenews.com
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