It seems as if bad news is everywhere. You turn on the TV, and there’s another tragedy happening — a natural disaster, another mass shooting, war, general disharmony. Tragedy seems to always be lurking. Children growing up who are aware of what’s happening might think that life is made up of bad moments instead of happy ones. I know people who in their 20s, have already sworn up and down that they’ve lost faith in humanity.

I’m here to say that despite all the tragedy, all the sadness, all the craziness, I have not lost faith in humanity.

I recently got back from a week-long leadership seminar. The week was spent teaching high school students how to be a leader in their high schools as well as in their church parishes. As I looked around the room, I saw hope. These kids want to make a difference; they’re not about to let all of the craziness of life get them down.

During the week, we also talked about contemporary issues and how, as a community, we can embrace diversity. I mean it when I say I felt God in the room. As stories were told, you could feel the tensions slip into anger at how the world is currently and a call for change.

These 50 kids gave me so much hope. Not only are they stepping up as leaders in the church, but also in the world. These are kids that are tired of the way things are. These are kids who look at the world and see all the sadness and see what it can be. These are kids who will do whatever it takes to make the world a better place.

These kids aren’t going to change the world; they already are. Through kindness, compassion and love, they’re battling society that views them as self-centered and constantly up to no good. Not only are they wanting to change the world, they’re doing so as Christ would. They want to spread the message of God through the work they do; they want to spread love.

I’ve had the privilege to staff this seminar for the third year in a row, and each year I’m taken back at how ready and willing these kids are to serve and work for a better world for everyone. These aren’t the kids you hear about, even though you should be hearing more about them.

They’re ready, they’re eager, they’re young, they’re not afraid to shake things up. The reason why I haven’t lost faith in humanity lies with them. And I have all the faith in the world that change starts with them.