Ashleen Khan: A Voice for the Planet and a Winner at School

Ashleen Khan

California: This week has been one of the most exciting in my life! I got to enjoy a special lunch with my school principal, Mrs. Marjollet, and I also completed a project on saving marine life from plastic pollution something I care deeply about.

At school, we celebrated Mental Awareness Week with dress-up days, fun challenges, and even a BMX show where bikers did amazing backflips and 360s! As part of the celebration, 695 students took part in an essay competition. We were asked to write about how we calm down, what we observe outdoors, and what science says about falling asleep. I was one of the lucky winners chosen to have lunch with the principal!

At the lunch, I felt a little nervous at first, but soon I was having fun playing multiplication games, chatting about summer break, and eating pizza, cupcakes, and CapriSuns with other students. Mrs. Marjollet asked us fun questions like “What’s your favorite subject?” and “What do you do in your free time?”

At the same time, I’ve been researching ocean pollution. I learned that over 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean every year, and it harms sea turtles, fish, and marine mammals. I shared some solutions, like adding more recycling bins to beaches and even creating underwater robots that collect plastic.

This week reminded me that small actions like writing, recycling, or sharing ideas can lead to big changes. Whether it’s helping the Earth or being kind to others, I hope more kids my age keep doing things that make a difference.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.