High schoolers are often encouraged to prioritize studies over the world around them. For sophomore Hannah Smith, making a difference is her highest priority.

In today’s society, many people assume that high school students don’t know much about politics; because of this, their opinions aren’t considered valid. Smith, on the other hand makes sure she has all of her facts in place, and when she speaks her opinion, she demands to be heard. Smith has participated in a couple of protests throughout the years as she believes it’s important for people to voice their opinions because they don’t know how big the impact can be. The protests she has participated in have varied from topics revolving around climate change to political beliefs directed towards the president. 

“I know that there are definitely people with different political beliefs, but I am okay with that because everyone should make their own decisions,” Smith explained.

 At Liberty, there are groups of people who are generally far left or far right. When it comes to political parties, Smith wants to be able to see both sides of the argument before she decides what to believe. In order to avoid stereotypes, she makes sure she knows the facts without all of the biases. A common thing Smith comes across when talking about politics with people at her school is that many students disregard where others are coming from. 

Tatum Calderwood, sophomore, expressed, “She [Hannah] is unbelievably considerate of others and really believes in doing the right thing in order to better others.”

To help make her fellow peers feel welcome she respectfully listens to their side of the argument without getting aggressive. One thing Smith has noticed would be that many people at Liberty lack their own opinion and forget to balance the info given to them from sources like their parents or friends.

 Another thing Smith pointed out was that many of her peers, “like to ignore politics, and live in oblivion because it seems easier for them.” 

She holds the opinion that politics are more than a topic to debate and argue over, they are stepping stones of our future. Instead of ignoring politics, Smith feels it is important that students educate themselves.

“I think the reason she’s involved in politics is because she genuinely cares about her future, this country’s future, and the world’s future,” said Smith’s good friend, Emily Granfield, West sophomore. 

When asking Smith why politics were important to her she responded with, “They [politics] are shaping the society we live in, and especially since we are the next generation that’s going to influence them, so I feel like if people are completely disinterested in them then it’s going to be tough to be able to make any change that needs to occur.” 

Expressing what she thinks is right is very important to Smith, and not being able to do something to help a situation has a big impact on her. 

“I think Hannah is so involved in politics because she is confident in what she believes and is such a caring person. I really do think that one of her biggest motivators is the possibly bettering the lives of others,” Calderwood adds.

Politics may not seem very interesting to some, but as an incoming generation to influence politics, Smith has made it her responsibility to make a difference to improve our society’s future. At times, she finds it hard to talk about what she believes in, but she tries her best to encourage everyone, including herself, to develop their own opinion and to change the world.