Margarita Potekhina ,
Monchegorsk, Murmansk oblast,
Age: 17

We all had to compete to be able to go to the G8 Summit. In Russia the first test was to write an essay on a topic that was significant for both Russia and the global community. The title of my composition was “The Formation of a Desire in Youth to Take a More Active Role in Important Societal Issues.” It’s necessary to channel the reckless energy of teens into a positive direction. Young Russians want to play an active and useful role in society and politics. However, often they don’t know how to become involved. Thus, I believe that young people should be invited to participate in such activities as much as possible to be able to realize their potential, and effort should be made to make sure they are informed about these opportunities.