As I stood before the eager faces at the Youth Citizenship Seminar at Pepperdine University this week, I was struck by a profound sense of continuity and hope. This year marked my 24th anniversary speaking at this event, and each time, I am reminded of the enduring spirit of our younger generations.
The seminar, held between the student’s junior and senior years of high school, serves as an opportunity for molding future leaders. It’s a place where children of billionaires and those who call a van their home converge, not as disparate fragments of society, but as a cohesive unit with a shared purpose. They come with open minds, ready to absorb the wisdom of experiences not their own, and with hearts full of questions about how to carve out a successful path in life.
In a world where social media often amplifies the negative, these students stand as a testament to the good that still thrives in our communities. They are the embodiment of faith in democracy, the belief that despite the challenges we face, improvement and progress are always within reach. Their optimism is not naive; it is a powerful force that drives them to learn, to question, and to strive for a better self and a better country.
This week, as I engaged with these young leaders of the future, I was reminded that distinction is not just about standing out in a crowd. It’s about standing up for what you believe in, and doing so with the conviction that you can make a difference. The diversity of their backgrounds did not divide them; instead, it enriched their discussions, broadening their horizons and deepening their understanding of the world.
The lesson here is clear: no matter our age or station in life, we all have the capacity to grow and improve. The students at this conference at Pepperdine University are a vibrant mosaic of our society, each piece unique yet essential to the whole. They challenge the narrative that youth are disengaged or disillusioned. Instead, they offer a refreshing narrative of unity, curiosity, and a shared desire to contribute positively to the world.
Because of my time with them, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose. The reminder that there are more good people—good kids—than bad in this world is a beacon of light in the often murky waters of public discourse. It is a call to action for all of us, regardless of age, to find ways to get better at what we do and to inspire others to do the same.
We should all look beyond the headlines and the tweets. These young students are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the champions of today, tirelessly working to bridge the gaps that divide us. They remind us that together, as one, we can and will rise to the challenges before us, creating a world that is not only successful but also kind, just, united…and, yes, distinctive.
