Many young people, including students, often don’t realise the importance of getting their voices heard. If you have something to say, you should have the freedom to say it in whichever context you find yourself - at home, at work at college or at uni, right? You are not children! You have rights too, and one of them is to be heard.

If any student could stand as an exemplar of this stance, it would be Greta Thunberg. She was just 15 years old when she started the  Fridays for Future climate change movement by protesting outside the Swedish Parliament. Nobody bothered listening to her; she was just a lone girl with a sign, after all. But soon, other students caught on. Today, school students striking against climate change is an international phenomenon.

As students, we have the right to speak our minds and talk freely about topics that concern and/or interest us. It doesn't have to be a case of feeling empowered by things that make you angry. It can be to spread a positive message of joy or an idea to do something better. And, heaven knows, we have much to speak on:

  • the economy: inflation, the right/ability to buy property and the persistent rent increases
  • the jobs market: suitable job training, job security, wage stability and pay raises to keep up with the cost of living
  • politics: chipping away at long-held rights, nationalistic/authoritarian tendencies, foreign policy initiatives
  • human rights: protecting and caring for the most vulnerable, speaking out against abuses at home and around the world
  • gender rights: everything from the right to self-determination to bodily autonomy rights
  • 'washing': sports washing, greenwashing, whitewashing...
  • environmental protections: sustainable development initiatives, protecting wildlife and natural resources
  • climate change - it's not just Greta's fight!

We will inherit this world. That's why it is so important to take action and communicate our thoughts and ideas. We should make our voices heard over great matters like those above, and also small matters that affect us personally. What will we be learning or teaching when doing so?

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Reasons to Speak Up As a Student

Injustice is rife in our society. Injustice runs rampant around the world. These problems seem much bigger than a few students in the UK can handle, let alone speak out about. But the power of our voices, raised together in a society that values freedom of speech, is absolutely necessary. When we come together, all with the same message, we can help make a difference on issues that are important to everyone.

A group of students with a long-haired young woman in front, backed by a group of males
There are lots of different ways you can get your opinions across as a student. Photo credit: francisco osorio on VisualHunt.com

We can't just sit back and think of ourselves as too weak or too insignificant to fight that seemingly huge battle. If we did, then absolutely no change would ever take place. We would all just accept that the world we live in is the way it is and that nothing would ever change.

What if revolutionary insurgents had never stormed the Bastille? Fed up with the monarchy's power abuses and being left with nothing to live on, people embraced the 'do or die' philosophy. They would end the tyranny or their lives! These insurgents were at the end of their ropes and ready to suffer for their cause. We mustn't wait till we're at the end of our ropes to agitate for what's right.

How about another example; one closer to home? In the early 1900s, the Women's Social and Political Union fought for women's right to the vote. The fact that women were never granted equality made their activism all the more remarkable. They were mocked for having the temerity to demand the same rights every male citizen had and exercised freely.

Those are just two extraordinary examples from the very long list of people saying 'No more!' to the status quo. Where did they get the idea that such a thing could even be possible? After all, history teaches us nothing if not that those with different ideas generally don't fare well. The Inquisitions alone provide ample proof of that.

How do we evolve as human beings if we don't recognise faults in our society and try to fix them? Or worse, if we recognise them and are kept from fixing them? And how can we ensure our species' survival if we don't ensure the rights of our fellow humans who aren't as fortunate as us? Is it even possible to co-exist without tolerance, empathy and understanding?

It is down to you - this young generation of free-minded and change-welcoming spirits. You have to pave the way for the generations to come. You have to make sure that you have done all you can to fight these battles. That way, your children and grandchildren don't have to suffer the same injustices.

I had never really involved myself actively in politics. I had always taken somewhat of a backseat approach to getting my voice heard. I've not really made an effort to make myself heard on such a grand scale. I've mostly contended myself to smaller, more local fights.

This wasn’t necessarily due to negligence or ignorance on my part. Before entering university, it seemed more important to focus on my studies. At least, that's what family and social pressure dictated. Everywhere, the message was to not take on too many external responsibilities through extracurricular involvement. You guessed it; I'm a product of the 'Work hard and keep your head down' generation.

However, upon entering university, I found myself getting involved in marches, protests and debates. My university has always been heavily political. So I thought joining in would give me a brilliant opportunity to learn more about local politics and speak out on important issues.

Today's issues are far more pressing than those the world faced when I was at uni. In those times, even something as trivial as complaining about a teacher caused shockwaves. We've now arrived at the point where there is no more time for niceties. If you have strong beliefs, passions and goals, you must make yourself heard.

Common Reasons for Raising Our Voice

It's not like we want to whinge about not being able to ride our skateboards and scooters wherever we want. We might be miffed about rising prices at the local chippy but not simply because chips are harder to afford. We should get credit for the depth and breadth of our insights and concerns. The only way to get that is to lay them out.

Academic Concerns

Courses - both content and marks, spark many debates and marches. More than one university campus as well as several other places of further education have seen such protests. Students might feel they have been subject to unfair grades. Or they may have been accused of plagiarism when they hadn't cheated at all.

And now, let's consider another point. Although less of a concern here, in the UK, than elsewhere in the world, educational standards are increasingly under fire. Who gets to decide what to include in a curriculum and how it should be taught? On what basis is information deemed superfluous or irrelevant?

When you are paying good money for tuition, it can be very upsetting when you feel shortchanged for your financial outlay. Especially if you have worked tirelessly and for very little reward. And if your thirst for knowledge isn't fully slaked. This takes us to our next common reason for students voicing concern.

A diverse student group standing in a rough circle with their fists raised in solidarity.
Students often unite in solidarity over pressing social issues. Photo by S. H. Gue on Unsplash

Financial Concerns

It might take students a few months of being on campus to realise or decide they're being short-changed. That their qualification or course is just not worth the money they have paid. Whether this is due to poor teaching, insufficient course content or other factors, something makes them feel their money is wasted.

The clamour over this issue grows louder as tuition fees continue to climb. Especially when you take into consideration the higher fees overseas students pay. We know that international students comprise a substantial source of revenue for schools across the UK. But it's tough to say we're happy to welcome those learners - which we are, when we know they're being bled dry.

Our international friends underscore the unsavoury economic practices so rampant around the globe today. It's no longer enough to simply turn a profit. In these times, only maximum profits will satisfy the rapacious economic machine. In what world does it make any sense that a student from abroad should pay exponentially higher prices for the same education and accommodations we're treated to?

The insatiable demand for profits fuels many protests - on and off campus. Several protest groups, Just Stop Oil among them, do a great job of highlighting the absurdity of valuing money and assets more than beneficial progress. If you wanted to get started as an activist, on campus and in the wider world, economic inequality would be a great place to start.

Political Concerns

The UK has seen its share of political upheaval lately, hasn't it? We've still not settled Brexit. We've cycled through three Prime Ministers in a matter of months. We're all angry about inefficient policies that do little to improve citizens' lives. Indeed, conditions today mirror the factors that powered Poland's Solidarity Movement in the 1980s.

As students, we're still somewhat sheltered. We might not yet feel the direct pressure of distant political activity decided against the greater good. But the elders in our lives feel it and it affects every aspect of their existence. It impacts everything from their ability to afford heat in the winter to supporting us financially as we progress through our education.

As long as we're not directly affected, do we need to do anything about it? That's not really the right question. We're in school to learn, but not just about our subject matter. We should also learn the issues that matter (to us) and how to use our voices to make a difference. University is loaded with student learning tools we can use to properly form and express ideas. Student unions, campus discussions, class debates... avail yourself of them all!

Community Concerns

Last but not least, there are some massive injustices in the whole world right now. They find  their way to the surface in schools and universities, provoking great outrage. Are there any such issues discussed on your campus?

Some say we have made great steps in trying to eliminate racism in the UK and give everybody equal rights. Those who are subject to such behaviour would beg to differ. Many people still need to change their perspective about racist practices, probably even further than they already have. But the good news is that raising your concerns about this in a school or university setting is bound to see positive results.

You and your peers are perhaps the most diverse student body ever. Not so long ago, racial segregation was a societal blight. Today, people from the earth's four corners may find themselves sharing a dorm room. That's progress, but it's not enough. Us and our mates are still flexible enough to make more changes, imprint them on society and pass them along to our kids and grands.

And then, there's gender bias and inequality. It's not just a point of contention reserved for athletics and the professional world. Gender inequality is so prevalent and persistent that this offence is often not even noticed.

Have you ever wondered why boys' and girls' clothes are gendered? It makes no difference at all if a girl wants to wear a stereotypically male outfit or vice-versa. And what's up with the colours - blue for boys and pink for girls? I certainly don't care what colour my shirts are or what it says on the label when I buy my clothes. If it is comfortable and I like it, I'll buy it and wear it!

And while we're ranting... Boys' versus girls' toys? There's nothing inherently boyish about cars and dolls are not strictly for girls. That whole concept is just the fallout from a 60-year-old marketing ploy to sell more toys at Christmas. Isn't sad that, still today, marketers have learned no new tricks? Those practices persist, conditioning generation after generation to prefer gendered playthings.

Recognising the need to fight for men's and women's (and boys' and girls') rights is very perceptive, and desperately needed. This level of critical thinking will serve you well. It will inspire your choices and inform your goals. Recognising fabricated societal divisions (barriers?) is the first step towards eliminating them.

As far as your future is concerned... Any employer would be mightily impressed with that depth of thought and insight. Note that your future boss might not be too wild about you agitating for change. Unless they too are very progressive, of course.

Still, being aware of social conditions and thinking about how to evolve away from them will likely help you to find success. That success might be something that motivates you to start your own business. Or it could turn you into an innovative, forward-thinking leader of a non-profit organisation. Maybe something that brings about social change? In that case, your on-campus activism is even more beneficial.

A greyscale photo of a university hallways where students walk in front of a table bearing a 'register to vote' banner
Not only are there many ways to speak up, but there are many topics to talk about as a student. Photo credit: Phil Roeder on VisualHunt / CC BY

The Benefits of Voicing Your Opinions to the Student Body

It should be obvious, by now, that we're not saying you should speak up just to get out of PE class or doing fieldwork. And we're not (necessarily) advocating that every university student engage in activism - despite the sometimes urgent tone this article takes. We only want to highlight the benefits of becoming an active voice in your student body at school, college or university.

You Can Make a Change

It may sound somewhat cheesy, but it is totally true. Try it for yourself! Tell people how you feel about an important issue or share an idea you have. Whether it has something to do with your university or any other issue, your passion and persuasiveness can bring about change. Beware that you might have to insist that people hear you out and/or take you seriously. And you will probably have to refine your communication style to make your points convincingly.

You Can Meet Like-minded People

Through activism, meeting people with similar views, ideas and beliefs is a given. Joining your voice to other students' for a vital cause doesn't always mean that you will agree on everything, though. You may find yourself, at times, re-evaluating your own beliefs and ideas. That's exactly what's supposed to happen! Once you exchange arguments and distil the most salient information, you can move on to make positive changes together. It's a learning and growth opportunity for all involved!

You Will Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

Addressing the public, even if just your peers, will undoubtedly boost your confidence while honing your public speaking skills. Equally impressive, you'll be able to reason at lightning speed the more you engage in debate. It’s always hard to try and stand up in public and convince others of what you believe in. But staying quick on your feet, and with practice, you will surely gain a confidence boost as you share your views with others. You may even sway people to join your cause!

You Can Create Bonds

Making your voice heard as a student can create unbreakable bonds between you, your university and your community. And your fellow students, too. They will look to you for leadership if you have the strength and charisma to speak on their behalf - or even with them. Your uni leadership won't be able to help taking your views into consideration, especially as you delivered them so convincingly. And word of your passion and speaking skills will spread throughout your community. You can see how well that worked for Greta, can't you?

An outdoor stage built of grey block with brown accents panels and a circular speaker's platform
Getting experience speaking can do a lot for your confidence when addressing the public. Photo credit: monkeywing on Visualhunt.com / CC BY

Ways to Communicate And Represent Your Student Body

You have many outlets to exercise your voice. The most common pathways include participating in a school debate, arranging a march or protest, and speaking up on the radio (if your school or college has its own station). You might also write articles for your school's academic journal or local newspaper. Even having discussions, organising meetings, creating resources for other students... all of this counts as making yourself heard.

As you can see, getting your voice heard doesn't necessarily mean becoming a public speaker. However, using your personality, passion and persuasiveness can be a very moving factor in winning people over to your way of thinking. You can hold polls online or post videos on YouTube of your personal beliefs about people's rights. Or, like Greta, you can stand in silent protest, holding a sign expressing your views.

Whichever avenue(s) you choose, make prompting others to speak out one of your goals. Social media can be a very powerful tool to encourage both conversation and change. Beware that you must use it cautiously. Too often, well-meaning online activism gets highjacked by groups with far more sinister intent.

Getting involved in community politics, joining a debate society or making public speeches will, without a doubt, improve your ability to persuade others. It will boost your skills in constructing well-informed arguments and defending your thesis. All of these experiences will come in handy when applying for jobs. After all, these are skills future employers want job candidates to have.

Getting your voice heard can give you so much, not the least of which is discovering your sense of morality. Meeting and working with other students on the same goals gives you the chance to interact with a broader spectrum of culturally diverse persons. What a fine way to discover that people the world over aren't very different from you.

Why limit your experiences, even when in a naturally restrictive setting such as school? Just like following a proper diet can lead to good health and academic success, making yourself heard leads to growth and confidence. So let yourself be heard!

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Sophia

A vagabond traveller whose first love is the written word, I advocate for continuous learning, cycling, and the joy only a beloved pet can bring.