Young Writers Project is a creative, online community of teen writers and visual artists that started in Burlington in 2006. Each week, VTDigger publishes the writing and art of young Vermonters who post their work on youngwritersproject.org, a free, interactive website for youth, ages 13-19. To find out more, please go to youngwritersproject.org or contact Executive Director Susan Reid at sreid@youngwritersproject.org; (802) 324-9538.
In an era of climate change, pandemics, and national division, one go-to, responsibility-shifting form of optimism is to proclaim that the upcoming generations will be the ones to find solutions for our current societal ills. On one hand, this can put tremendous pressure on Gen Z and Gen Alpha to solve problems older generations created; on the other hand, should we not reliably encourage the fresh energy and enthusiasm of the young to effect positive reform? And what do they have to say about the years ahead, themselves? This week’s featured poet, Galya Siegel-Bromberg of Thetford, will not tolerate others’ doubt – yes, individually and collectively, they are going to change the world.
You won’t, you can’t
Galya Siegel-Bromberg, 13, Thetford
“What do you want to do when you grow up?”
“I want to change the world.”
“Okay, but what are you going to do?”
“Change the world.”
“You can’t.”
“I can.”
“You won’t.”
“I will.”
“A little girl like you, you can’t do a thing.”
“Yes, I can.”
“You’re too young to understand.”
“No, I’m not.”
“You’re not going to change a thing.”
“How do you know?”
“I just do.”
“Well, I know that I’m going to change the world.”
“Good luck…”
“Thank you!”
Read the story on VTDigger here: Young Writers Project: You won’t, you can’t.