Student Voices: Who has influenced the goals of these 6 Shore teens? You may be surprised

Editor's note: The following essays are winners of the Asbury Park Student Voices contest. The question: What person in American history has influenced your goals? Explain why.

First Place

Grade 7-8

Why the Caged Bird Sings

Why does the caged bird sing? Maya Angelou answered in her poem. Someone trapped in a cage, barred from opportunity and facing oppression and abuse, still sings of freedom.

Angelou was an African American, facing racial prejudice and segregation, but nothing could stop her from being what she wanted to be: a poet and storyteller.

I look up to her, and hope to stop at nothing to achieve my own dreams. I want to be an author, and like Angelou, I will work hard and push toward success.

Luckily, America isn’t as segregated as it was in Angelou’s time, and I am free to write and show my work to others. But it still takes courage to pick up the pen and begin to get my thoughts, ideas and creative flow on the page.

I am afraid that the public won’t like my work. But my enjoyment for writing pushes me. Angelou probably felt the same way. She wrote on, and so will I.

I used to avoid the spotlight, but I’m starting to realize just how much praise I receive for my writing, and how many people actually enjoy reading it.

So, why does the caged bird sing? Because it wants to be free and do what it loves despite the cage it is in.

I often feel like I am in my own, invisible cage: my insecurity. But that is a cage I can break out of, and I feel it weakening every day.

Just like Maya Angelou broke out of a cage of racial segregation, I will feel free to write for the public very soon.

Nika Berg, Oak Hill Academy

Grade 9-12

I decide

Strutting through the hallways, I hear mutters from my fellow peers mutilating my eardrums with a dagger: "Freak," "So gay," "Woman" and "Queer" are my favorites.

Dozens of eyes snap in my direction while I’m walking. I act unfazed, but on the inside, I am shot down in flames.

My heart is crumbled into a million pieces, but someone is pushing on my chin, holding my head up high.

When I first learned about Marsha P. Johnson a few years ago, I thought she was completely irrelevant. That young and immature little David had no idea the impact she would have on his life.

Johnson was an advocate for gay and transgender rights. She marched in numerous protests during her life. I am so lucky that people like her fought for my right to be who I am today.

Johnson is the reason that I have confidence. She is the reason I am allowed to be myself.

After I graduate, I want to influence young voices. I look up to Johnson because of her effect on the LGBTQ+ community, and how kind her soul truly was. I thrive to be like her.

Similar to Johnson, I am told daily to stop talking. Why am I the one that needs to shut up? Why am I the person that gets in trouble for speaking up? Why am I the odd one? I am tired of privileged people telling me how to use my voice. I control what I say.

One time, I was outed by someone much older than me. One time, my house got egged because of the way I express myself. One time, I got called a slur and the bully got no repercussions.

I decide what I say. I decide how to react. I decide how I can change my community.

Just like Marsha P. Johnson.

David Mammano, Point Pleasant Borough High School

Second Place

Grade 7-8

To be a Champion

What makes a true champion? Are we more than the trophies we culminate, the goals we achieve, and the medals we wear proudly on our neck?

To be a champion is to face uncertainty with courage and bravery. Olympic gold medal winner Chloe Kim, arguably the greatest female snowboarding champion, has truly inspired others to be their best selves by confronting diversity, and breaking social and racial barriers.

The Korean-American athlete has managed to forever change the sport. Her rise to dominance was, in part, due to her work ethic — spending hours training. But the racist messages Kim has received encouraged her to stand up for Asian-American rights.

As a tennis player, I’m inspired by her, on and off the court — to always push myself, to confront life's injustices with confidence.

As a Korean-American athlete, I’m aware of those who are determined to lock us in cages, to stereotype us. But we are unbounded and powerful.

My passion for fighting injustices through writing is helping me find my voice. I’ve always admired Kim's commitment and quiet strength. She speaks out, regardless of what others may think.

She took time off snowboarding to address her mental health, and has become a role model in addressing what was once considered a taboo subject. I admire her for always fighting for what she believes in, and standing up in the face of adversity.

A great champion faces life with courage, knowing their opportunities are limitless.

Kim is a snowboarder, fighter against racial injustice, and an advocate for mental health. In her, I can see all of my hopes and aspirations.

The standards Kimi is setting and the barriers she is breaking are not just for recognition, but to inspire and encourage the next generation — to make the world a better place.

She is redefining what a true champion is.

Evalina Bee Zerres, Oak Hill Academy

Grade 9-12

Cindy Lou Who

When asked what American has influenced my goals, only one person comes to mind. To some, this person may seem like a strange choice. I doubt that most people would even consider her an option, but I find it impossible to write about anyone else: Cindy Lou Who.

Just in case it’s been a while, let me remind you of the story of Cindy Lou Who. Outcasted by everyone, the Grinch lived far away from all of the fun. Cindy saw this, and despite his mean, scary appearance, she invited him to the town's Christmas party.

She showed the town that he truly is a good person. Through kindness, Cindy Lou Who made the Grinch feel loved and accepted. She completely altered his life, simply from being kind.

From the first time I heard the story of the Grinch, I knew I wanted to be like Cindy Lou Who. Being able to change one person's life through kindness seemed impossible. Cindy made it seem as easy as breathing.

If I could figure out how to be like Cindy Lou Who, I could positively impact everyone around me. She's been my role model for as long as I could remember. Cindy Lou Who taught me that being kind is the only goal that matters in life.

Being kind is a goal that is often overlooked. The importance of achieving materialistic items is often put first. Cindy Lou Who did not follow this. She did not let gossip interfere with how she treated someone.

Although it may seem silly to choose a character from a children's story, I do not see how I can learn better from anyone else.

Loralye Homme, Southern Regional High School

Third Place

Grade 7-8

Why Misty Copeland Inspires Me

“Dance has always been the language that suited me best," ballet dancer Misty Copeland said in September while speaking to students at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. "When I was young, dance became a thing I needed, that made me feel safe during a difficult time in life. It was a constant and provided stability. For me it was not just about having fun. It saved my life.”

Copeland is the first African American female principal dancer of the American Ballet Theater. She has faced a lot of challenges, including racism and discrimination. People have made horrible comments about her body.

But she has persevered through all of the hate. She ignored the comments, and she continued her training and kept dancing.

Copeland's goal is to help children of color and under-represented races learn to dance. She realizes that children of color do not have the same opportunities as others.

This inspires me to continue dancing, even if I go through hard times. When I get older, I want to teach children to dance. I will try my best so I can get to that point.

Growing up as a person of color, I always noticed I was treated differently. I was rarely given solos and the opportunity to be in the front during group dances. However, once I proved myself, more opportunities opened up for me.

Copeland started ballet at 13, much later than most professionals. Her family did not have the money to pay for her training, but she kept working hard. This shows that anyone can get to where they want by trying to be the best.

Copeland is an honorable and noble dancer, ballerina and advocate. She inspires me to persevere, fight for the causes I believe in, and work hard.

She is paving a path for future generations of dancers.

Sahaana Shah, Oak Hill Academy

Grade 9-12

The Blonde Bombshell

During a sleepover, I woke up seeing two girls attempting to wipe off the messages that trailed over my body. Words like ugly, weird, anorexic, as well as phallic images, were littered on my skin.

I was filled with such anger while looking down at myself, I didn't know how to react. I didn't know that I would have to learn how to react, because as I got older these same comments would persist.

The middle school hallways were the worst. They would turn to their friends and comment just loud enough for me to hear:

"There's their ugly little sister."

"She looks anorexic."

"No guy would ever want to date her."

"It's so crazy how her brothers could be so hot and her so ugly."

Some would even be bold enough to say these things to my face. I was just sitting in the lunch room enjoying my sandwich. I was content sitting there eating with my only friend at the time. We were laughing until suddenly someone came up behind me and threw their trash at me.

I looked back to see a boy. When we made eye contact, he said, “Go kill yourself.”

There's never a proper way to react to these comments. Do you stand up for yourself? Or do you just ignore it and pretend you didn't hear it? Regardless of what you do, the comments are never any easier.

I remember walking through New York City with my arms tightly linked around my brothers. We were linked to maintain the buddy system. As we walked, I looked up and saw a big photo with Marilyn Monroe front and center. I admired her beauty, her boldness, and the happiness that radiated off her.

Blinding lights, blinding thoughts, but still smiling throughout. Monroe was mobbed by paparazzi, but in every photo you see, she always manages to have this big smile. She was exploited for her looks. She was constantly under scrutiny for her weight, what she wore, her appearance. Even with all her issues, she managed to maintain her boldness.

Confidence radiated from her — and that confidence is what inspires me. I have struggled with self-love and confidence due to the comments. When everyone tells you the same thing, you begin to believe it. After seeing Monroe, I was inspired to be just like her.

I want to be the girl that people admire for her happiness and confidence. I want to love who I am and the face I wear.

Marisa Venturoso, Point Pleasant Borough High School

Honorable Mention

Grade 7-8

Buddy Levy, Oak Hill Academy

Arya Patel, Oak Hill Academy

Sophia Chubatyy, Oak Hill Academy

Grade 9-12

Evan Veenboer, Point Pleasant Borough High School

Carina Larocca, Southern Regional High School

Jack Macaluso, Point Pleasant Borough High School

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore students tell us who influences their goals