Class of 2029

Hello, I am Catherine Son, and I am a sophomore at Castilleja School in Palo Alto. I still remember the first time I saw one of many headlines about global warming: polar bears. Their homes, glaciers, were melting and they were suffering from starvation. I can still recall the hurt and sadness I felt, especially when I saw an image of a lonely, malnourished polar bear, wandering the Arctic. It was then at that moment I knew I had to use my voice to advocate for nature. Today, I urge everybody to speak up for their values and use their abilities to bring awareness to the world's problems.

Hello! My name is Matthew Li and I am currently a sophomore attending Saratoga High School. The destruction of the environment today is a serious issue with devastating consequences for our planet and its ecosystems. However, I believe that by coming together and taking small, consistent steps, we can make a meaningful difference. Through collaboration and conscious action, we can protect and preserve the environment, creating a healthier and more sustainable world for all living beings. 

Hello, my name is Natalie Song and I'm a sophomore at Harker School. As a young girl, I would often nag my parents until they drove me on a four-hour roundtrip to a nearby aquarium. For those years when visits were regular, I dreamt of becoming an ocean scientist so I could live in those tanks I loved so much. I lost my wonderful dream due to practical circumstances, but I can't imagine how many more lost them because of the declining well-being of ocean life due to pollution. In the end, such beautiful dreams can be revived as soon as we take responsibility in our duties to protect the Earth. 

Hi, my name is Ellie Kim, and I am a sophomore at Leigh High School. I believe that nature is not only something we enjoy, but something we belong to. Every part of nature holds valuable lessons that even our modern life seems to forget from time to time. Living with respect and care for our earth is important, and by protecting it, we are also ensuring a better future. 

Hi, my name is Jiyu Shin and I am currently a sophomore at Notre Dame High School in San Jose. From an early age, I have always been fascinated by animals. However, now that I am older and have learned about the consequences of pollution, climate change, and the destruction of the habitat for many animals, I understand how closely our planet is linked to animals. Unfortunately, it is sad to learn about how animals are struggling to survive due to environmental issues created by humans. For example, now, polar bears are having a hard time finding homes because the ice is melting drastically. Along with music and small acts to help our environment, I hope that it can help our planet, us, and the animals struggling to survive.

Hello, my name is Yu-Hsi Lin, and I am a sophomore attending Piedmont Hills High School. I believe that there are many ways we can make a difference in the world around us. While individual actions may seem small, I believe that when people work together and spread awareness, those small actions can create a much bigger impact. Many people recognize the problems our world faces, but not everyone realizes how important it is for individuals to take action. Therefore, I want to emphasize the importance of how we can each contribute to making a positive change, and I hope to see a better and healthier future for our community and our planet.