KASIA CAROTHERS, 18

Kasia Carothers is a teen activist, writer, and photographer who was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Carothers discovered her passion for writing when she learned it gave her the freedom to explore her social identity as a woman of color. Self-labeled as a positive activist, she uplifts others and fight against social justice issues such as racism, classism, and education inequality.

Carothers believes that art is the most powerful tool in engaging her community and sees art as a powerful vehicle for social change. Art of all mediums can be used to guide people to emotions they normally wouldn’t feel and encourage them to explore cultures they have not encountered. With her own personal writing, she hopes to inspire many people to follow their heart and to continue to fulfill their accomplishments by keeping a positive attitude towards life’s challenges.

Writing allows Carothers to feel free and to always tell an important message or story. She sees writing as a great opportunity in life and hopes to one day become a professional writer. She is currently pursuing her goal through Austin Bat Cave, an organization that encourages youth to raise their voice and tell their stories and helps them become more strong and confident writers. Ultimately, Carothers believes that to become a better person you must support others, prioritize self-care, and focus on commitment not motivation. Most importantly, seek knowledge—not results—and make the journey fun.

Society

An excerpt from the essay Society

by Kasia Carothers

Now let’s be clear: the number one rule in society is to know your worth. Know that nobody’s inability to see your value will not decrease.

But forget what I just said. We are taught what we were taught. We call some people “soldiers” which makes it okay for them to kill people. We send children to school for their entire childhood to memorize facts and skills that they will rarely use. We sexualize women and tell them to cover up because it’s unnatural and disgusting. We tell gay people it’s not okay to love the same gender and it’s a sin. We impose financial pressure on parents, forcing them to miss out on their child’s development.

But forget what I just said. We constantly judge people, telling them what’s right from wrong. We tell people how to look and what to say, and we are always pointing out what we’re doing wrong. Open your eyes and realize people are the problem and always have been.

But forget what I just said. People prioritize money and the economy over basics like air, water, food plus quality, our environment, and our communities. People are still fight over land and kill millions of animals for food everyday. People still see war as honorable, and people still see that there can only be one true religion.

But forget what I just said, ‘cause none of that matters. The only thing that matters is you know your worth, even though people will sit in your face and mock you for it.

But forget what I just said. You can’t admit it to nobody. You’ll become a liar and someone who needs guidance.

DON’T FORGET WHAT I JUST SAID.