For Lisa Bera, a Grade 12 student at Milton District High School, the attainment of world peace is a driving force in her life.
So much so, that she took part and placed second in the
Global Youth Challenge 2021: World Peace essay contest. The competition, which took place last month, provided students opportunities to express their perspective on a certain topic in the form of a presentation, with this year’s topic being world peace. Participants submitted a 300-500 word essay or a visual piece of artwork, accompanied with a one-minute video speech.. In addition, there was a question and answer session with an established panel of judges. Each entry examined a possible pathway to world peace through the lens of a subject like mathematics, art, history, business or science. See Bera’s video submission
here.
Placing second in a global competition like this, Bera says, inspires her with hope that people around the world will hear her message and do their best to work toward peace.
“Youth are not often able to share their perspective on such a large scale, so I am truly grateful for the opportunity I received by being chosen as a finalist,” she explains. “I think world peace is attainable if proper actions and measures are taken, so I plan on doing my part and hope the message I shared will inspire others to do theirs.”
Bera says being exposed to many different viewpoints on an important topic like world peace will benefit her in life on many levels.
“Listening to the other finalists and their perspective showed me how everyone has different ideas but with the same goal of achieving peace. This experience to learn from youth in different parts of the world has helped me become more aware of global conflicts and I want to empower others to help make a peaceful world.”
Bera says the impetus for her essay was to be a world-changer.
“From early childhood, I always aspired to be someone who makes a positive difference in the lives of others. Being given the chance to voice my opinions and perspective globally on a humanities subject has made me believe that my goal can someday be achieved.”
