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Youth Aware
for 2021
Developing vaccines, advocating for mental health, transforming
technology: Celebrating 21 inspiring heroes of 2021

over credits: The Atlantic, NPR
EDITOR'S NOTE
Dear Readers,
Happy New Year! We hope you had a
wonderful start to the school year and
hope that you enjoyed your winter
break. We apologize for the delay in
this issue but are excited to hear from
you again!
2022 has brought about both new
challenges and new hopes. Throughout
2021, young people around the world
returned to school after over a year of
virtual learning. While for most of us,
this was at first a tough transition, it has
been wonderful to be able to see our
friends and teachers in person again.
In this issue, we highlight 21 inspiring
heroes from 2021 -- scientists, authors,
philanthropists, and more! Additionally,
Columnist Katie Rempe discusses goalsetting
for the new year, and we hope
you will enjoy Columnist Ivanka
Varshney's insightful article on how
animals are helping humans cope with
the pandemic.
Happy reading and, as always, we
would love to hear from you!
Mehr Grewal
CO-FOUNDER

table of contents
4 5
SEAWEED: CLIMATE
CHANGE'S MISSING
PUZZLE PIECE
HOW ANIMALS ARE
HELPING US COPE
WITH THE
PANDEMIC
6
REFLECTIONS ON A
RENDEZVOUS WITH
RAPTORS
9 SWIMMING: LAKES 10 AMAZON RIVER 11
JUST ONE NEW
GOAL
VS. POOLS
DOLPHINS
12
21 FOR 2021

19
How animals are helping us cope
with the pandemic
By Ivanka Varshney
During the last year and half, lots of us turned to pets
for comfort during the pandemic. Lots of animals were
adopted and people doted on those they already had. At
some level , the relationship with animals was taking
the place of the interaction with which we were
deprived of in the quarantine. There are a lot of aspects
of a relationship with other people which are not
replaceable. But there are some important elements, for
example, the ability to touch and be in contact with
another living creature.
I personally had one dog and my family ended up adding
one more dog during the pandemic. I will love to share
that story in my next article! My family got to stay in
Florida for 2 months earlier this year as my Dad was
working on a work project there. We were lucky to
escape the harsh Michigan winter and be in a warm
place. I got to be outdoors a lot and explore lots of
places,
especially the ones with involved animal interaction. While in
Florida we went to lots of animal sanctuaries, wildlife safaris
and parks. It was a great experience to see and interact with
the animals outdoors.
It was not the same as having to see my friends but close
enough! I got to be outdoors, have fun, breathe fresh air and be
around animals. It was such a big relief during the pandemic to
be able to do so. It satisfied my craving of companionship. It
really helped me get through the pandemic.

Bald eagles on aerie (nest)
in Skagit Valley, WA
Reflections on a
Rendezvous With Raptors
By Dr. Bill Keppler
Hawks, eagles, falcons, ospreys, and
vultures are diurnal birds of prey or
better known as raptors. A typical
raptor such as a falcon is an
impressive powerful bird. A strong
flier with muscular legs, sharp talons
for capturing prey, and a hooked bill
for dismembering any prey.
This combination of strength and finesse
has so deeply inspired humankind that
raptors or birds of prey are frequently
chosen as national emblems. For
example, the Bald Eagle by our country
and the Crested Caracara by Mexico.
Seeing a raptor hunting overhead is a
thrill and has led to the art and science of

falconry, especially in Middle Eastern
countries like Saudi Arabia for many
centuries.
Buteos are a group of hawks that are
shaped like eagles, but much smaller
in size. Eagles and buteos are bulkier
than other raptors and possess long
broad wing surfaces ideal for soaring.
Sometimes it seems these buteos soar
simply for enjoyment. Plumages often
vary greatly within a species. These
hawks are extremely versatile hunters.
Good examples are the Red-tailed
Hawk, the Northern Harrier, and the
Osprey sometimes called the "fish
hawk."
If you drive approximately 50 miles
north from Seattle on I-5 Interstate to
the beautiful farmlands of the Skagit
Valley, you may see one of the most
common birds of prey, the Red-tailed
Hawk. This urban predator is perched
on trees or light poles along the
highway seeking possible road kills or
prey beside the grassy areas on the
perimeter of the interstate. There are
many color phases for the Red-tailed
Hawk, but you can be certain you may
spot one every ten or twelve miles of
highway as you head north.
Accipiters are woodland bird catching
hawks like kites and falcons. They have
long tails and long narrow wings but
their flight styles are different. Falcons
are power fliers overtaking their avian
prey with great speed and endurance.
Kites, on the other hand, glide and wheel
effortlessly swooping down on ground
prey or snatching flying insects. The
common Cooper's Hawk has become an
urban resident in the Greater Seattle
Area and one lives in our neighborhood.
Other well known accipiters are the
Peregrine Falcon, and the Swallow Tail
Kite. The Peregrine Falcon in a dive can
reach a speed of over 200 miles per hour
and kills any prey on impact. Peregrines
have adapted to densely populated
metropolitan areas like New York and
Chicago.
So, check out your neighborhood or
Interstate for an "I-5 predator" Redtailed
Haek or an urban Cooper's Hawk.
You will not be disappointed watching
these raptors or birds of prey in our
Pacific Northwest any season of the year.

Female bald
eagle on Aerie,
Skagit Valley,
WA
Eagle festival
January 2020;
U.S. Forest
Service
Volunteer Dr.
Bill Keppler,
Park Ranger
Osprey "Fish
Hawk" Aerie

credit: www.healthjade.com
SWIMMING:
LAKES VS.
POOLS
By Simran Adnani
Swimming in pools is better than in lakes. Firstly, there are animals in
lakes, which can hurt us.
Secondly, there are no lifeguards in a lake, so you won’t have any help if
you are drowning.
Thirdly, the water in the lake can be dirty. In some lakes, there are
parasites called amoebae. One of these amoebae called Naegleria
fowleri is found in fresh water lakes and can travel up your nose and
cause severe brain damage. This infection is called Primary amoebic
meningoencephalitis (PAM). Many people die of this infection each year.
Lastly, the temperature of the lake cannot be controlled whereas you can
maintain a certain temperature in the swimming pool. It is good to swim,
but always make sure you are swimming in a safe place.

BY SIMAR GREWAL
AMAZON
River
DOLPHINS
The Amazon River Dolphin is a critically endangered
species of freshwater dolphins. Already, one species of
the dolphins the Baji is extinct. The river dolphins are
carnivores and they eat fish, river turtles and freshwater
crabs. The dolphins are known because of their pink
color. If you want to find these dolphins you should go to
the Amazon River! But if you go there you
should not pollute their environment because that's why
these dolphins are endangered. Researchers fear that
poachers will kill these dolphins and use them as bait.
These dolphins are important for the ecosystem.

just one
new
goal
B Y K A T I E R E M P E
A lot of people are thinking about
setting new goals as the new year
begins.
Research tells us that focusing on just
one goal at a time is more effective than
trying to accomplish multiple
objectives. Read below to learn how to
succeed
at your goal and turn it into a positive
habit.
1. Set just one goal.
2. Break that goal into small steps.
3. Anchor each small step to something
you already do in your daily routine.
That way it will become a habit.
4. Celebrate often. Every time you
achieve a small step reward yourself.
Use your positive self-talk. Say, “Yay me!”
“I’m doing great, I’m working toward my
goal.”
5. Before you know it, your small
achievements will accumulate, you will
feel great about your progress, and you
will meet your larger goal.
Sample Goal: Utilize a calendar or
planner to be more organized in
homework
assignments and projects.
Small steps:
1. Find a digital calendar or planner app,
or a paper version that you
like, VICTORY!
2. Move the planner to your backpack or
move the app to the first
screen of your phone, CELEBRATE!
3. Make it a habit: Every time you pack
up at the end of class, take the
extra time to write down your
assignment, SUCCESS!
4. The day is over, and all your
assignments are written in one place,
TRIUMPH! Give yourself some praise and
a reward, you earned it!
5. Repeat until this new goal becomes a
habit.
Remember, keep it simple and
CELEBRATE each and every step along
the way.

Image credits: umu.se, nytimes.com, watson.brown.edu, cnbc.com
21 2021
for

Image credit: nytimes.com
Emmanuelle Charpentier
She invented the gene scissors
CRISPR/Cas9 and revolutionized
the medical world. This year, her
achievements were rewarded
with a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Charpentier is currently the
head of the Max Planck Institute
in Berlin. Her gene scissors
enable scientists to edit the
DNA of animals, plants and
microorganisms with high
precision. The resulting targeted
changes to the genetic sequence
can help to fight illnesses like
cancer or AIDS.
“My wish is that this will provide
a positive message to the young
girls who would like to follow
the path of science, and to show
them that women in science can
also have an impact through the
research that they are
performing.”

simone biles
Simone Biles, the most accomplished
gymnast in the world, brought mental
health to the forefront this year when
she widthrew from the Olympics. Her
decision showed the world that it's ok
not to be ok and that we all need a
break sometimes. Her actions
highlighted the mental health struggles
of millions, and people around the
world felt they resonated with her
story.
Simone Biles, the most accomplished
gymnast in the world, brought mental
health to the forefront this year when
she widthrew from the Olympics. Her
decision showed the world that it's ok
not to be ok and that we all need a
break sometimes. Her actions
highlighted the mental health struggles
of millions, and people around the
world felt they resonated with her
story.
“A successful competition for
me is always going out there
and putting 100 percent into
whatever I’m doing. It’s not
always winning. People, I think,
mistake that it’s just winning.
Sometimes it could be, but for
me, it’s hitting the best sets I
can, gaining confidence, and
having a good time and having
fun.”
Image credit: self.com

Image credit: NY Post
ALEXANDRIA
OCASIO-CORTEZ
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest
U.S. representative and a trailblazer
leader in government.
More concerned with movements than
elections, she is the ‘cool politician’ who
connects with people.
"You don't have
to be perfect,
but you do
have to be 100%
committed."

Jacinda Ardern
Image credit: latimes.com
Jacinda Ardern is the world’s most inspiring head of
government and a global superstar in politics. She
won with absolute majority, focusing on social justice,
healthcare and combatting climate change. She led
her country to make it through the pandemic
relatively unscathed. An empathetic power woman
who is a role model for all of us.
"Leadership is not
necessarily about being the
loudest in the room, but
instead being the bridge, or
the thing that is missing in
the discussion and trying
to build a consensus from
there."

Image credit: The New Yorker
Dolly Parton“If your actions create
Singer, actor, businesswoman,
philanthropist, and humanitarian,
Dolly Parton's foundation strives to
provide education opportunities,
prevent school dropouts, bridge
healthcare gaps, provide disaster
relief, and construct homes for people
in need. For her work impacting
thousands of families in need – she is
on our 21 for 2021.
a legacy that inspires
others to dream more,
learn more, do more,
and become more,
then you are an
excellent leader.”

Image credit: pulitzercenter.org
Helen Branswell
Helen Branswell is the senior writer of
infectious diseases and global health at STAT
News.
Her tireless, real-time coverage of the COVID-
19 pandemic, brought global experts close to
us. She was the recipient of the 2020 George
Polk Award for Public Service for coverage of
the Covid-19 pandemic and was awarded the
2021 Victor Cohn Prize for Excellence in
Medical Science Reporting.
For her exemplary reporting and using her
powerful social media to deliver education to
the public and help them make sense of the
scientific maze, she is one of our 21!
"The thing about covering an
infectious disease outbreak is
[that] it’s breaking news. I had a
lot of experience covering
breaking news. I was acquiring
knowledge about science and the
way health systems worked and
infectious diseases work. Some of
the health and science reporters
were not used to covering
breaking news. And I knew how to
do that."

Image credit: businesstoday.in
BARKHA
DUTT
Barkha Dutt is an Indian television
journalist, author, and owner of the
YouTube news channel MoJo Story.
She is an opinion columnist with The
Washington Post. A lone ranger in an
oppressive political climate, she
reports with courage and compassion,
speaking the truth fearlessly.
"Our most high-profile
international awards
have been... for oldfashioned
journalism
and reporting from
conflict zones and areas
of tension."

Image credit: nytimes.com
ELON MUSK
Elon Musk is
building rockets to
bring us to Mars, and
electric cars that
revolutionize our
mobility on Earth.
He is also working
on an interface
between the brain
and the Cloud.
He represents the
face of innovation.
"When something is important
enough, you do it even if the odds
are not in your favor."

Image credit: billboard.com
“The only time you
should ever look back is
to see how far you've
come."
BTS
BTS, a K-Pop group from Seoul, South Korea is one of the largest
bands in the world. However, it’s members are not just singers:
BTS
they have worked to promote world peace, provide quality
education to youth around the world, as well as engage young
people in community service projects like planting trees.

MONICA RAMIREZ
Mónica Ramírez is an activist, author, civil
rights attorney, social entrepreneur, and
speaker born in Fremont, Ohio. She has
been specifically engaged in direct service
and advocacy on behalf of farmworkers and
immigrants. She strives to represent
underserved communities denied a seat at
the table.

Image credit: vox.com
TRISTAN
HARRIS
Harris advocates for understanding
and minimizing the negative
impacts of digital technologies. He
coined the phrase "human
downgrading" to describe an
interconnected system of mutually
reinforcing harms—addiction,
distraction, isolation, polarization,
fake news—that weakens human
capacity in order to capture human
attention.
"The ultimate
freedom is a
free mind, and
we need
technology
that’s on our
team to help
us live, feel,
think and act
freely. "

Image credit: people.com
Mackenzie Scott
Mackenzie Scott, a philanthropist and author, gave away $5.8 billion
in gifts to some 500 nonprofits in 2020 June 2021, she gave another
$2.74 billion to 286 groups. She employs a "no strings attached"
style of giving, wherein the nonprofits to which she donates have
full control over how to best deploy the new funds.
"I HOPE
THAT'S
WHAT
YOU'LL
REMEMBER,
NOT HOW I
LEFT BUT
HOW I
ENTERED."

Image credit: fortune.com
MARY BARRA
Barra is the first woman to lead one of the big three
automakers in the U.S. Barra has invested billions in
electric vehicles, self-driving cars and a ride-share
service called Maven. In spring 2020, she shifted GM's
production lines to help Ventec Life Systems make
critically-needed ventilators.
"My definition of
'innovative' is
providing value
to the customer."

Image credit: time.com
John Jumper
John Jumper is the lead researcher for
U.K.-based company DeepMind’s
AlphaFold artificial-intelligence program.
His research enables scientists to predict
the shape of proteins using amino-acid
sequences faster, allowing the
development of new treatments for
diseases.

Image credit: theverge.com
PARAG AGRAWAL
The new CEO of Twitter rose from an
engineer to CEO in under 10 years! At 37, is
the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500.
"Our role is to serve a healthy public conversation and our
moves are reflective of things that we believe lead to a
healthier public conversation."

Image credit: upsolve.org
ROHAN PAVULURI
Rohan Pavuluri is the CEO and Co-founder of Upsolve, one of
America's leading resources helping low-income and working-class
families overcome financial distress. He has made extraordinary
contributions in the fight against poverty and his work has helped
families across the country.
"I'm proud of what we've
built and the millions of
lives we've touched."

Image credit: wsj.com
BRIT BENNETT
An American
author of
successful
bestsellers ‘The
Mothers’ and 'The
vanishing Half,'
Brit Bennett is an
emerging literary
star and a role
model to people
around the world.

Image credit: humansandnature.org
Julian Brave
NoiseCat
Julian Brave NoiseCat is the architect of the
Green New Deal, a set of policy ideas that put
justice and equity at the center of climate
action – NoiseCat is hoping to
change the course of not only American history
but world history.
The Green New Deal is among the most
popular proposed climate legislation in
history, raising the bar for presidential
candidates and launching a popular
movement for justice that has spread
worldwide.

Image credit: cnn.com
MARCUS
RASHFORD
Marcus is a Manchester United soccer player- a hero on and off
the field. He's campaigning against food poverty and galvanized
and inspired a nation. Rashford stood up, linking up with
food poverty charity FareShare to provide meals to children in
Greater Manchester who were no longer receiving free school
meals.

Image credit: stylebistro.com
Paloma Elsesser
Paloma Elesser is truly a Role
‘Model.' She is changing the
fashion industry, one barrier at a
time. Through her advocacy for
change, she is an inspiration to
millions of young girls.

W E W O U L D L O V E T O
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