In a bid to elevate the voices of young Utahns, The Salt Lake Tribune has partnered with student journalists from Highland High School in Salt Lake City to share their thoughts and feelings regarding pivotal aspects of their lives, including their inherent challenges and aspirations.
Through this collaboration, a diverse range of perspectives has emerged, shedding light on how today’s youth perceive their environment and the various pressures they face in a rapidly changing world.
One pressing issue highlighted by students is the impact of technological reliance. Hillary Kimble articulates her struggle to break free from the pervasive grip of smartphones, noting the paradox within their lives. While society often labels them as ‘addicted to screens,’ Kimble emphasizes the collective yearning among teenagers to foster healthier habits, yet faced with external demands, they feel trapped in a cycle of screen time.
Diversity and representation are also central to the dialogues among young Utahns. Lien Hoa Torres shares her experience as a 16-year-old girl of Vietnamese-Mexican descent navigating a predominantly white environment. She expresses the loneliness felt due to her distinct appearance and sheds light on the broader impact societal beauty standards have on many girls in her community, contributing to issues like body dysmorphia and eating disorders.
The concept of the American Dream has also come under scrutiny from the youth. Luca DiGregorio articulates a growing disillusionment, suggesting that what was once seen as a beacon of hope has transformed into a daunting challenge. He points to soaring costs associated with higher education, which stand in stark contrast to stagnant wages, creating a disparity that threatens the viability of this dream for the current generation.
Mental health is another critical issue underscored by young voices. Naomi Parnell discusses the unique sources of anxiety faced by her peers, attributing it largely to the overwhelming influx of information they are constantly exposed to. She highlights a crucial gap in education that leaves young people ill-equipped to manage their emotions and thoughts amid a barrage of global challenges.
As students near the conclusion of their high school journey, the pressure of career choices weighs heavily on many, including Jane Jardine. She finds herself at a crossroads between pursuing a passion for literature and the financial stability promised by a medical career. Jardine’s struggle reflects the broader dilemma faced by her contemporaries, who must navigate the delicate balance between fulfilling personal passions and meeting societal expectations for financial success.
The challenge of cultural inclusion is poignantly expressed by Anna Moreno, a non-LDS teen feeling isolated from her Latter-day Saint peers. She recounts a shift from initial warmth and inclusion to an increasing sense of separation, revealing an urgent need for dialogue and understanding among diverse groups within the community. Moreno’s experience highlights the importance of creating spaces where youth from all backgrounds can connect and engage.
Lastly, Lucy Smith voices her concerns regarding the pressures young students face when asked to make early career decisions. She argues that forcing adolescents to commit to a career path before they fully understand themselves can lead to confusion and regret later on. Her advocacy for allowing youth the time to explore their identities underscores a critical need for flexibility within educational frameworks.
The voices collected from these students not only echo the sentiments of many young people across Utah but also serve as a clarion call for adults to listen and engage with the next generation.
These narratives serve as a reminder that young Utahns are not merely passive recipients of adult thought but active contributors to the dialogue about their futures. Their reflections prompt important conversations about addressing mental health, diversity, and the pressures of societal expectations.
In a climate often dominated by adult opinions, the perspectives of these high school students shine a crucial spotlight on the realities they inhabit and offer a compelling invitation for broader discussions about the future they envision.
The urgency of their messages is clear: young people are seeking understanding, empathy, and change. It’s time for communities, educators, and policymakers to engage with them meaningfully and recognize the value of their insights as we navigate these complex societal issues together.
The Tribune remains committed to amplifying these voices, recognizing that through this collaborative effort, we can foster a more inclusive discourse that advances not only the well-being of our youth but also the prosperity of our communities as a whole.
By sharing these unique insights, we can work towards building a future that honors the experiences and aspirations of all Utahns, creating a concerted effort to nurture the collective potential of the next generation.
image source from：https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2025/05/24/salt-lake-teens-anxiety-american/
