By Razan Alaqil, YES 2014-2015, Saudi Arabia, hosted by FLAG in Marion, NC

As we sometimes forget about the freedom that mankind posseses, hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. state that we all belong here and we are all equal makes this day of rememberance a very special one. Leaving a legacy to be remembered by is one thing, but changing the whole world from a strong statement is what always keeps motivating me to seek change. What if he hadn't stood up and spoken with such unbelievable courage, which many people lacked years ago? I honestly don't know where we would stand in this present, because his act changed the path of the nations of the world.

"I have a dream." What a powerful sentence to speak when many people needed to remember that they had the right to dream. As I stood today in front of North Carolina's Triple Waterfalls and listened to the peaceful sound of the water, the nature itself reminded me that I can dream. I can dream of anything, because the power of my imagination can turn into reality. And by that reality, I'll wish to have the same courage as MLK to speak up, and change. The soft breeze, and the clear water were proof that mankind is equal, because this world was created for all of us to live in harmony and peace, just like how the strong black rocks allow the light clear water to drift on them with amity.

I lived in the moment, and smiled when I remembered the first time I read his speech. "I have a dream!" I yelled in my heart. I wanted to let myself know that I'm free, I can dream, accomplish, succeed, and achieve, because the change that I'll make will influence my generation to rise above hate and live equally.

Dr. King said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?" Let's all believe in ourselves, and remember that equality isn't a metaphor of kindness, it's a fact of living. Love, dream, and remember to be inspired, so you can accomplish, and then you will be remembered for your acts.