Capturing the Essence of Youth: A Photographer's Journey

For the past ten years working as a photographer, I have had the opportunity to travel across the country capturing images of young people and hearing their stories.

And from all my experiences, I can confidently say that the most valuable lesson I have learned is:

They are going to be fine.

Yes, the kids stare at their phones. A lot. And yes, they watch mind-numbingly inane videos, and yes, they share way too much on social media.

They have also weathered a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, grapple with financial uncertainty, and navigate a particularly challenging political landscape. On top of all that, they are witnessing the alarming and unpredictable impacts of climate change. It's important to give them some understanding and support.

Through conversations and photo sessions with numerous children, many of whom are featured in my latest book, "Force of Nature: A Celebration of Girls and Women Raising Their Voices," I have had the privilege of getting to know young individuals who are compassionate, curious, driven, imaginative, and determined to create a better world.

Meet Zoe, the young CEO who created dolls with hair just like hers. Lindsey, at 16, joined three classmates in a lawsuit against the US Department of Education over changes to Title IX. And Sunny, 8, is fighting for her right to play sports in Texas.

What I find most inspiring about these kids is their dedication to inclusivity and diversity. They embrace differences in race, gender, sexuality, body type, and background, working towards a more welcoming society. Their generation is breaking free from the hang-ups and prejudices of the past.

When discussing younger generations, there is often a tendency to romanticize the past. We may remember a time when everything seemed better, from the color of the grass to the price of a movie ticket.

But it's important to acknowledge that in the past, we were not as accepting of differences, understanding of mental health, or aware of the harm caused by bullying. Additionally, we were more likely to adhere to traditional gender roles. Today's children are passionate about addressing these issues and are actively striving to create positive change.

Witnessing the younger generation's potential and hope fills me with pride and awe. They have found their voices and are creating lasting change.

Elizabeth, a nonspeaking autistic who was the valedictorian of her college class, highlights the importance of finding and using our voices. Through her adaptive speaking device, she encouraged her class to use their voices, noting the irony of her situation. She believes that if others can see her worth, they can see the worth in everyone they meet.

Here are some of the amazing kids I met, in their own words.

CG, 15

CG placed fourth in her state for wrestling against the boys.

CG placed fourth in her state for wrestling against the boys.

Kate T. Parker

“My twin brother wrestled, and I asked my dad if I could do it too,” CG said. “I never felt like I couldn’t do something because I was a girl.”

Zoe, 10

After not being able to find dolls with hair like hers, Zoe became CEO of her own company selling dolls that have relatable skin tones and hair like her.

After not being able to find dolls with hair like hers, Zoe became CEO of her own company selling dolls that have relatable skin tones and hair like her.

Kate T. Parker

Zoe shared, "I am dedicated to inspiring curly and confident girls who will make a difference in the world. I create dolls with skin tones and hairstyles that girls like me can relate to." Sunny, 8

Sunny is fighting for her right to play softball with her friends in Texas.

Sunny is fighting for her right to play softball with her friends in Texas.

Kate T. Parker

Sunny wants trans kids in the future not to have to fight like her.

I enjoy playing sports because I enjoy meeting new people and running quickly. When my mom informed me about the anti-trans bills in Texas, I felt the need to express my own thoughts. I will continue to speak up until my voice is acknowledged. Losing the opportunity to play softball would deeply sadden me, but it's not just about losing a sport. It's about my fundamental right to live freely.

Mistura, 16

Mistura is sharing her refugee story through speech and writing.

Mistura is sharing her refugee story through speech and writing.

Mistura, who emigrated from Nigeria at the age of six, advocates for refugee and immigrant issues. She understands the challenges of growing up in a place that doesn't feel like home and the struggle to make it home. Speaking up on this issue brings her peace as she thinks about those who do not have a voice like hers.

Elizabeth, 25

Elizabeth is the nonspeaking autistic valedictorian of her college class, who gave her speech through a speaking device.

Elizabeth is the nonspeaking autistic valedictorian of her college class, who gave her speech through a speaking device.

Kate T. Parker

Elizabeth runs a nonprofit organization that assists individuals similar to herself in discovering their voices.

"Remember, you have been given a voice. It's important to use it. It may seem ironic that a nonverbal autistic person is encouraging you to speak up. However, if you can recognize my value, then you can appreciate the worth of every person you encounter."

Jai, 17

Jai is a member of Brown Girls Do Ballet.

Jai is a member of Brown Girls Do Ballet.

Kate T. Parker

Jai is a member of Brown Girls Do Ballet, an organization that aims to improve diversity in ballet by showcasing underrepresented populations.

"When I dance, I am telling a story through my movements. It is the story of a brown dancer who is also an artist, an advocate, and a voice for those who are not heard. The color of my tights matches my brown skin tone, symbolizing my past, present, and the promising future ahead of me."

Regan, 18

Regan, who lost her sister to cancer, made her mission to educate people about childhood cancer.

Regan, who lost her sister to cancer, made her mission to educate people about childhood cancer.

Kate T. Parker

Regan's sister, Emerson, passed away from cancer when Regan was just 15 years old. Since then, Regan has dedicated herself to raising awareness about childhood cancer. She believes that speaking up is the best way to shed light on important causes. Through Smasherson, a foundation created by her family in honor of her sister, Regan shares Emerson's story with others and emphasizes the importance of supporting such causes.

Lindsey, 18

Lindsey and three classmates filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education due to limits placed on Title IX.

Lindsey and three classmates filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education due to limits placed on Title IX.

Kate T. Parker

Lindsey and three classmates filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education, claiming that the changes to Title IX by President Trump reduced protections for those reporting violations and favored the accused.

People questioned what a group of high school students could do about a federal law, but they discovered that they could use the law itself. Although their lawsuit was unsuccessful, the Biden administration issued an executive order on the same day the lawsuit was made public, reversing the regulations.

Sydney, 10

Sydney has made it her mission to help kids to feel safe at school.

Sydney has made it her mission to help kids to feel safe at school.

Kate T. Parker

Sydney is committed to creating a safe and bully-free environment at her school. She was chosen as a Love Leader by her peers. Her goal is to encourage others to stay strong and remember that hurtful behavior often stems from the person doing the hurting, not the victim. Sydney has witnessed instances of bullying at her school and wants to emphasize the importance of taking hurtful words seriously. Her ultimate desire is for everyone to feel welcomed, safe, and comfortable at school.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the resilience, determination, and passion of young people amidst societal challenges. It emphasizes their dedication to inclusivity, diversity, and creating a better world. The author's interactions with these individuals have instilled a profound belief that this generation will thrive despite the obstacles they face.

The article also sheds light on the importance of supporting and empowering the younger generation. By acknowledging their struggles and giving them a platform to share their voices, we can foster their growth and ensure they have the tools to navigate the complexities of the world. Their commitment to creating a more just and equitable society is inspiring, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the support they need to realize their full potential. a society, we must listen to their perspectives, support their initiatives, and work alongside them to create a better future for all.