As America prepared to celebrate its 250th anniversary, The Journal News/lohud.com asked 17 high school students in Rockland and Westchester counties to write about where they see the nation being headed over the next 50 years. What follows are some of the student essays from Nyack students that showcased their hopes and dreams for the U.S.A. at 300
Erza Malinka, 15, a sophomore at Nyack High School
The year 2076 marks a new era as America turns 300 years old. When that day comes, we can look back on our generation and see how we have chosen to handle things today. Will we allow ourselves to become divided and allow America to become weaker, or will we come together to make America an even greater nation?
If given the opportunity to become a leader in America, my vision of America in fifty years would include unity, opportunity, and responsibility. America is facing many challenges today, including political division, economic inequality, and climate change; however, we can use these challenges as an opportunity to move America forward.
One of the most visible problems in America today is the polarization in politics. It seems as though people are forced to choose sides rather than coming together to solve problems. However, as a future leader in this country, I think that the greatest thing about America is the ability to bring people with different points of view together.
This means that people need to be able to work together rather than against each other. This means bipartisan politics and understanding that people can disagree without being disagreeable.
Another thing that might help is increasing the quality of civic learning in our schools. This way, our youth can learn about how our system of government works and the importance of this.
Another significant challenge facing our nation is economic inequality. The United States is a land of great wealth and innovation; however, the cost of living for many people is increasing. For instance, the cost of housing, college tuition, and healthcare is rising. This has become a major obstacle for people who are seeking a bright future.
In the next five decades, our nation must make sure that opportunity is not defined by an individual’s background. As a leader of this great nation, I will make sure that I support more investments in education and healthcare. This will enable people to acquire the skills they need for success and also help the economy.
Another area that will define the future of the country and the world is climate change. We are witnessing the effects of climate change through extreme weather changes, increased temperatures, and the destruction of the environment.
The United States has the resources and ingenuity to lead the world in the fight against climate change. We have the potential to invest in renewable energy and scientific innovation, and this will not only help us preserve the environment but also create jobs. Climate change is not just about the environment; it is about the people and the future.
Despite these challenges, I am optimistic about the future of the United States. Throughout history, our country has had many moments of uncertainty, yet each generation finds ways to move forward and make our country a better place.
I envision that by the time our country celebrates its 300th birthday, I hope America is more unified, more innovative, and more focused on fairness and opportunity for all. The future of America is not something that simply awaits us it is something we create. And what we do today is what builds the future of our country.
Olivia Quesada, 15, a sophomore at Nyack High School
Fifty years from now, the success of the United States will not be measured solely by economic or materialistic growth, but rather by the wellbeing of its people.
In today’s world, success is often determined by social status, wealth, and ability to appear as “just another average person”, when in reality, all political figures stand far above the normal citizen because of the inherent power they possess.
People may be blinded by the fact that most important figures appear to be “like us”, whether that be through social media presence or stories of their childhood in which they desperately attempt to explain that they weren’t always as well off as they are now.
However, this illusion of relatability distracts from the more important truth which is that leadership creates distance.
Those in power are not simply “another average person”, and pretending otherwise can prevent citizens from fully recognizing the responsibility that leadership carries.
Through this, my ultimate vision for the country over the next fifty years would begin with attempting to redefine the relationship between leaders and their followers; not by making leaders seem more ordinary, but by making them much more transparent, accountable, and grounded in the realities of whom they represent.
In order to bridge the large gap between leaders and those that they serve, leadership must be redefined as a form of public service over personal advancement or interest. In turn, this means creating expectations for officials to remain consistently engaged with those they represent, not only through times of hardship, but as a perpetual responsibility.
By increasing transparency whilst making decisions and constantly encouraging direct communication with the public, government officials would be held accountable in ways that go far beyond appearances in the media or constructed narratives. This shift would aid in the rebuilding of trust and ensure that leadership comes from real experiences rather than incorrect and distant perceptions of power.
Redirecting the focus of leadership back to the public is equally as important. Those in power are often influenced by personal gain, either through recognition, or governmental longevity. My vision over the next fifty years would prioritize systems that reward leaders for their positive long term impacts rather than their short term, minor successes.
By emphasizing policies that improve quality of life for citizens, leadership becomes much less about individual benefit and more about progress as a whole. In doing so, my theoretical role as national leader serves to transform political figures from one of authority to one of responsibility, which ultimately creates a government that serves its people rather than merely itself.
Abby Gould, 15, a sophomore at Nyack High School
The world today moves so fast. It’s hard to imagine what things will look like 50 days from now, let alone 50 years. Between wars and humanitarian crises abroad, and domestic issues like immigration and poverty, it is hard to picture the future of this country.
People are loud and divided on every issue, and sometimes it feels like the only thing we can be united on is the fact that we disagree on everything. Different points of voice, different opinions, different priorities, and different mindsets is not a bad thing. We are a nation built on being different, and embracing the right to speak out about our personal beliefs and ideals.
The biggest challenge that I believe our country is facing in my generation is that most of us are content to be fed our ideas, beliefs, news, and thoughts through various forms of social media. Social media, and even more so now with the development of AI, is an easily digestible form of gathering information. However, there is not much oversight on what that information is or how accurate it may be.
The young generation of Americans today are not reading various types of materials to learn about a topic. We are not engaging with historical materials to formulate our own informed opinions and beliefs on topics. We allow a funneled stream of material to flow through our phones and serve as our only form of information.
As the presence of AI increases, it is hard to tell what is real and what is fake. We watch videos and assume them to be things that are actually happening. We see pictures that look very realistic. But, AI is so advanced that people with very little understanding of technology can create false images and videos and spread them far and wide.
I think one of the biggest challenges we are faced with today is determining how to get a handle of AI, and how to regulate it as it infiltrates our lives and thinking. I would like to see all the major social media outlets like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram have to check material before it is posted for AI. Items can still be posted because it is part of the freedom of expression that our country is based on.
However, people need to know if what they are watching and seeing is not real. So, there would be a required tag on any posts that were created with AI. Having a method of accountability for determining what is being posted on these sites will help all consumers make better and more informed decisions on various topics. Overall, people will be given the basic courtesy to know that the things they are choosing to believe in are real.
Gabriella Kodsi, 16, a sophomore at Nyack High School
The world today is undergoing one of the most divided and troubling times in human history. While the current state of violence and lack of global awareness may not be comparable to that of the past, there is still a great amount of disagreement and hate amongst people around the world today.
If I was a national leader, I believe the United States could have the chance to bloom into a powerful, prideful and equal place. While I cannot say for certain what my position of power would lead to, I can explain just what I would hope it could achieve for the human species.
As a leader, in 50 years from now I would hope to see citizen unity and tranquility in this country. Today, various regions, political standpoints, and people have been revealed to be terrorizing, intemperate, and conflict starters.
While of course some human issues cannot be resolved simply from peace being called for, the prevention of future conflicts can be in effect. To prevent these conflicts, specifically ones involving the United States, I would allow for interpretations of issues and opinions to be allowed in my office.
I believe one of the biggest issues leaders have, is they focus on their own understanding of issues and don’t consult various points of views. Giving unheard people a voice can lead to less conflict and a higher reward if joining said conflict is absolutely necessary.
I don’t believe war and violence will ever completely stop. It has always been an issue and will likely continue to be one, but it is the job of us, the people, to prevent it as much as possible.
In addition, since when has such a logical and dignified species become so emotionally driven and critical of each other? Why do some feel it’s not only okay, but necessary to look down upon others for uncontrollable things such as race, gender, religion or region of origin.
While containing power, I would hope to end all of these issues. I would primarily focus on ending discriminatory actions against anyone in the country. I would advocate for minority groups and pave a path towards equality for everyone, despite any differences they might have.
Giving unfairly treated people a platform, can help them stand up for themselves and others in their same situation. It is inhumane to be biased towards someone for natural reasons, and it is crucial we, as peers to these people, help them to be treated as such.
In 50 years from now, even if I am not in any leadership position, I still hope to see the world in a brighter and more advanced place than it is now. The world today is beautiful and just needs to be cared for by the right minds. If everyone in the United States chipped in to help end conflicts and discriminatory hate, the world would have at least one improved nation in it.
Hannah Joseph, 16, a sophomore at Nyack High School
I truly believe America is a great nation. Although we may seem divided by our opinions and beliefs, we are united when we speak out against injustices and major issues that prevail in our country.
If I were to become a national leader, I would strive to combat many problems that are extremely prevalent now more than ever. My goal as a national leader would be to protect and guarantee a strong, bright future for the youth of our nation by addressing issues that commonly occur in adolescence and adulthood.
Every person in America should feel proud of their country and the policies put in place to help and support them.
An extensive issue in our country that I’d address is the numerous shootings and various incidents that have occurred in colleges and K-12 schools nationwide, increasingly in the past few years. According to CNN, there were 78 school shootings in 2025 and as of March 12, 2026, there have been eight school shootings, in college campuses and K-12 schools.
School should be a second home to children, a place where they feel protected and comfortable. As a leader, I would create more regulations involving people who own personal weapons, including more background checks and monitoring usage of weapons. I believe more safety measures should also be taken into school grounds. For example, students and staff should have a separate, secure area to retreat to in these situations. Creating safer spaces for students is an essential step to ensure they become resilient adults in society.
Another issue I’d seek to improve is the cost of living in America. Many young adults feel unable to own homes, start families, care for their health, or live comfortably due to increasing inflation. According to the LBM Journal, the median price of homes in the US has increased 162% from 2000 to 2022 while incomes have only increased by 78%, putting people in a tough situation to create a livelihood.
As a national leader, I would try to control inflation and create more opportunities for young adults to thrive in America. People should enjoy and recommend living in our country, feeling sure and satisfied with their future as independent adults.
While there are several significant issues in America, I feel strongly about these and would like to see them improved in our country. School shootings and fatalities have surged recently, and it has become an unfortunate reality for students now. Physical safety should never be in jeopardy in a place where parents send their children to learn, interact, and prepare them for adulthood.
Additionally, these children will become the adults of our society and will continue to shape our country. They should be able to create a living and explore the opportunities America has to offer without constantly worrying about their financial situation. As a teen myself, I would really hope to see progress in these areas in order to ensure not only the quality of my life, but of the people around me and the generations to come.
Jonathan Ashbaugh, 16, a sophomore at Nyack High School
The United States of America is among the greatest countries in the world, but like any, it is not without its flaws. Now, in 2026, one of those flaws is in the spotlight. In many cases, our government is failing the people it is meant to serve. Too often, we find that the representatives and officeholders across the country use their power for either personal gain or for the benefit of a certain group over the majority.
This problem is seen in individual communities, but also at a national level. Representatives are so focused on fighting against the other party, that necessary bills and laws aren’t passed. In his farewell address, President George Washington said, “I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State.” We live in a partisan world, where people are often unwilling to work with, or interact with someone else simply because of their political affiliations. This is so baffling because most of what causes this divide, is simply misconception.
There are certain destructive stereotypes that are associated with Republicans, and other equally destructive ones for Democrats. This political divide is so severe, that extremists turn to violence. After a man broke into and set fire to his home, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said, “This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society. And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or the other. It has to stop.”
Governor Shapiro is absolutely correct. It is important to acknowledge that this is both side’s fault, and it is going to take both sides, all Americans together, to fix it. We are meant to be indivisible, and until we as a collective work to make that true again, things aren’t going to get better with this nonsensical divide.
I see a future where all people, not just some, can look past their political disagreements and respect each other. Disagreeing with someone is okay. In fact, it’s a fundamental part of our society. However, it is important how one goes about doing that. Two people that have completely different views or completely different ideas, are still able to coexist and be respectful.
I dream of a future where that is the case, where people choose calmness and reason over mindless arguing. Collaboration makes us stronger, and we make each other stronger. That is my vision for the future of America; a country of people that are willing to work past our differences, and achieve greatness. One nation, indivisible.
Helu Wang covers economic growth, real estate and education for The Journal News/lohud and USA Today Network. Reach her at hwang@gannett.com and follow her @helu.wangny on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Nyack High School students share their vision for USA at 300
Reporting by Helu Wang, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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By Helu Wang, Rockland/Westchester Journal News | USA TODAY Network
