Raise Your Hand

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“Raise Your Hand” is a monthly editorial column written by high school students and their peers in collaboration with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Its purpose is to provide a platform for youth voice, particularly DOE students. Since its start in March 2016, over 80 articles have been published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

We fervently believe that when youth are allowed to voice their opinions, amazing feats are accomplished. A young adult’s concerns are not only about school lunches, bullies, or the dress code. The younger generation is just as passionate and invested as their adult counterparts in issues facing our world. After all, they are our future leaders.

Blog Posts

Cut the caffeine and get some sleep

Cut the caffeine and get some sleep

"While having increased alertness and energy can be helpful, caffeine consumers can easily fall into a potentially dangerous cycle of dependence."

Should Tiktok be banned?

Should Tiktok be banned?

"Yes, the app is highly addictive, affecting social development and mental health," says Rihanna. "No, blatant censorship would harm democratic fabric of our society," argues Brayden.

Hawaii’s housing crisis is self-inflicted

Hawaii’s housing crisis is self-inflicted

"The reason that not enough housing is built in Hawaii is that regulations are onerous, numerous and convoluted. More often than not, it takes several years to get all of the necessary approvals."

Some schools are great; others aren’t

Some schools are great; others aren’t

"At its core, education is a variable of location. This is why the problems people face with education are so varied; no two schools work the same or are of the exact same quality. Some people are lucky enough to go to great schools, while others have to fight to get into one of the few good schools around."

Transgender athletes a complex issue

Transgender athletes a complex issue

"When questions over fairness and safety are raised, many who advocate for the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports opt for swift reprisal rather than honest dialogue."

To build friendships, leave your bubble

Talking to a stranger can be terrifying: you don’t know them, they don’t know you, and now you’re in an awkward conversation about the weather. When Pan faced this struggle she turned to Nicholas Epley, a psychologist, for help. He shared a profound statement: “Nobody waves — but everybody waves back.”

We can’t allow differences to divide us

"Our democracy is at risk because we are plagued with an inability to communicate with one another, which divides our country and weaponizes our constitutional rights."

Remote Work vs. Office Work

Remote Work vs. Office Work

"The pandemic has come to a slowdown and regulations are ending, creating a hard push back into pre-pandemic life. With the world returning back to “normalcy,” employers requiring employees to return to the office has become a point of contention."

Two students weigh in on Hawaii's Governor Race

Two students weigh in on Hawaii's Governor Race

"Leaders of our state who have made these empty promises have left us hopeless, especially the younger generations. As time has passed, many of us have progressively lost hope in being able to comfortably and safely live here in Hawaii."

A Good Career in Tech Can Happen Here

A Good Career in Tech Can Happen Here

"While the obstacles abound, dispelling the idea that our beautiful islands cannot support our technology professionals, and better advertising the available local pathways are steps in the right direction."

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