- *
Unsatisfied with instant aging solution offered - Youth resistance cannot be swiftly activated by a simple click
Today's youth are known for their resilience and adaptability. Colin Haubrich and Pascal Groothuis, now 23 and 21 respectively, are no exception. They seized the opportunities that arose during the COVID era and turned their experiences into a voice that echoes across Rhineland-Palatinate, representing hundreds of thousands of their peers.
Thrust into the limelight at just 15 and 16, they found themselves grappling with the ongoing pandemic, making them some of the most influential young voices in the region. "We were basically raised in office," remembers Groothuis.
The world as they knew it was turned upside down by the unknown virus. The sudden lockdowns, mask mandates, and school closures were especially significant for their education. Initially, they welcomed the break from routine, but as the months dragged on, they realized the isolation was taking a toll.
Haubrich, then attending a gymnasium in Betzdorf, and Groothuis, a student at a Realschule Plus in Neuwied, decided to take action. They wanted to ensure their perspective was heard and made a difference. Two individuals who had never met in person, found common ground in their desires.
Their rapid rise to prominence didn't come without challenges. They faced hate messages and even death threats from adults, alarmed by their activism. "I couldn't believe some of the messages I received," Haubrich recalls, "One time, a mother called me asking if I intended to harm her child because of my stance on vaccination."
Despite these difficulties, the duo maintained their composure, using humor and intellect to counter the negativity. "If young people take up responsibilities and face such backlash, it's nothing short of absurd," Groothuis emphasizes.
Their political education took a rapid twist as they attended regular meetings with Minister President Malu Dreyer, Minister of Education Stefanie Hubig, and regional parliamentary representatives. During this time, they played an active role in shaping policies, providing unique insight from a student's perspective.
"I used to travel to Mainz after school four or five times a week during the peak of the pandemic for these meetings," Groothuis reminisces. They found these discussions invaluable, fostering a level of engagement between politics and students that was unprecedented.
However, they were occasionally met with skepticism. "Sometimes it felt like they only wanted a photo with us," Haubrich recalls, referring to their interactions with political factions. Nevertheless, they persevered, drawing on the experiences and relationships they forged during this turbulent time.
Both Haubrich and Groothuis are now pursuing degrees, with Haubrich focusing on Political Science for Teaching and Groothuis aiming to become a teacher. Reflecting on their experiences, they remain optimistic and grateful for the opportunities they were given.
"The COVID era was my youth. It was a time I wouldn't trade for anything. COVID politicized me," Groothuis concludes. They continue to advocate for change, ensuring the lessons they learned during the pandemic are not forgotten.
The pandemic not only affected their personal lives but also sparked a sense of political awareness in them. As youth worldwide struggled with mental health issues, educational disruptions, and long-term health consequences, they became catalysts of change, their voices resounding across the globe. The COVID era, indeed, marked a significant turning point for young people, shaping their perspectives and fueling their activism.
The European Parliament and the Council's resolution on the European Union's role in the fight against racism and xenophobia resonates with Haubrich and Groothuis, two influential young voices from Rhineland-Palatinate, as they faced similar challenges during the COVID era. As they attended meetings with political representatives, they advocated for better understanding and representation of youth perspectives, akin to the goals outlined in the resolution. Furthermore, they encountered counterarguments and criticism, demonstrating the need for continued discourse and action against prejudice, as emphasized in the resolution.
