YOUNG VOICES: Learn of history from people who lived it

It’s not every day that you’re impacted by the words of another person, much less a person you've never met before.

YOUNG VOICES: This year, let us resolve to be happy

Less than one month ago, we as a world gathered together to turn the page on a year of our lives, closing the proverbial door of 2012 and flinging the door of 2013 wide open.

YOUNG VOICES: Act more like Lincoln, and united we'll stand

While many teenage girls my age (and adults, too) were lining up outside movie theaters at all hours of the day and night to see "Breaking Dawn Part 2," I quickly made my way to "Lincoln," the movie about our 16th president’s last days in office.

Grace Asiegbu

Grace Asiegbu of Lynwood is a junior at Thornton Fractional South High School.

YOUNG VOICES: Excessive tanning is a half-baked idea

It’s summer time, a time of long days, short nights, hot weather, cool swimming pools and, inevitably, tanning.

YOUNG VOICES: Tragedy reminds us to watch out for each other

I was in an utter state of shock when I learned one of my best childhood friends, Lexie Adu, went missing in Lake Michigan on May 24. I was in for another shock the following day when I came home from my last day of school to learn Lexie’s body had been found around 11:30 a.m. Time froze for me.

YOUNG VOICES: Be the original you, not another imitation

It seems our society needs a lesson in creativity. Just turn on the radio, and every song sounds just about the same. They all have auto-tune, aggravating rhythms, and no real instruments, just the synthetic beat thanks to an 808 track. Flip to station after station, and you'll hear essentia…

YOUNG VOICES: Tebow is refreshing example of sticking to principles

Tim Tebow, 24, towering at 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing 245 pounds, is a Heisman trophy winner, selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos, the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, and a Christian. And he's not afraid to admit it.

YOUNG VOICES: Final exam isn't final use of that knowledge

Today is Dec. 19, a day I've been dreading all school year. Today begins five days of cramming, rigorous reviews, late-night study sessions and lots of Red Bull. Today starts ... wait for it ... finals week!

YOUNG VOICES: At holiday time, celebrate your family

It's hard to believe that it's already the second week in November. This year is just flying by. In a few weeks, it'll be December and then 2012 will be upon us.

YOUNG VOICES: Let's pull together instead of pulling each other apart

On Sept. 11, 2001, I was in kindergarten. I had gotten back from a day at school, and I'll never forget the terror I saw on my parent's faces as they watched the coverage on the news.