Photo: The National Youth Advisory Council received a big award at The National Conference on Volunteering and Service. (GenerationOn)
Today's teens can give themselves a pat on the back for earning a reputation that humbles adults and inspires kid siblings: They're mobilized, active, engaged in helping their communities and, let's face it, ready to change world at large. Get ready to meet two stand-up examples of how far we've come.
Mohit Jain and Jessica Markowitz are both part of the Points of Light Institute's GenerationOn initiative and representatives of the National Conference on Volunteering and Service, which wrapped up its three-day cluster of sessions yesterday (June 8). While there's nothing wrong with collecting cans, donating books or sweeping streets, these above-and-beyonders are bound to change your idea of what a service project is all about.
Mohit is a 16-year-old student at Millard North High school in Omaha and a member of four (count 'em, four) youth advisory councils for healthy living campaigns. His medical mind spans the spectrum, but his true heart is invested in raising awareness about Alzheimer's--an interest sparked by Mohit's grandfather's diagnosis.
"[His Alzheimer's] motivated me to volunteer with memory loss patients and do scientific research into the disease that causes dementia," he says. "We all have something to give back to the community. In the process, we learn a lot from each other, and we get more than we can give."
Jessica, also just sweet 16, is a gentle warrior determined to ensure equal education for girls around the world. When she was just 11 years old, Jessica founded Richard's Rwanda-IMPUHWE, a program helping rural Rwandan girls get proper schooling. "Imagine our impact in the world if students across America came together and used our voices as a powerful tool for change," she challenges. "I hope to create a movement across the world, connecting, bonding and empowering youth to become leaders."
Don't worry--we don't have to be prosocial wunderkinds to qualify for GenerationOn. All are welcome, come aboard.
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