Sixteen thousand hands clapped for J. Cole’s live performance of “Crooked Smile,” the pressure-sensitive bracelets lit up with the motion. One moment, the crowd was immersed in darkness, and the next, thousands of little white and blue lights filled the Oracle Arena. Sophomore Gitika Nalwa cheered with the crowd.
Nalwa was at We Day on March 13, an initiative of Free the Children that describes itself as “the movement of our time, empowering a generation of young global citizens through an inspirational event.”
About eight members of the Saratoga’s Baby Advocacy club and 10 members from the Free the Children club went to the We Day event.
Assistant principal Kerry Mohnike, one of the advisers of the trip, said the purpose of the event was to encourage youth to get involved in any global service or any community service that would help improve the human condition.
“Students could do anything from a global village outreach service like providing clean drinking water to local canned food drives,” Mohnike said.
Mohnike said that the Free the Children club first contacted her in order to send out the We Day message.
“They talked about how Free the Children is about local and global service, and if students were involved, they could earn a ticket to We Day,” Mohnike said.
Being surrounded by inspirational people who had worked their way there was a memorable experience for members like Nalwa. According to Nalwa, clubs or organizations for good causes are invited to attend the event.
“It's breathtaking,” Nalwa said. “You look around and you are surrounded by these incredible kids who are doing these incredible things. It is such a honor to be sitting next to them.”
There were also quite a few celebrities at the We Day event including Hannah Simone, Magic Johnson, Selena Gomez, Seth Rogan and Orlando Bloom. There were performances from artists such as J. Cole and Big Sean.
Sophomore Meera Rachamallu, a member of the Baby Advocacy club, especially liked seeing well-known people.
“A lot of celebrities gave motivational speeches and shared stories of how they had to overcome obstacles,” Rachamallu said. “They taught us all how we can make a difference for the good.”
Nalwa said that the energy in the arena was undeniably powerful and inspiring.
“There are very few things that really and truly change your outlook on things, but, without a doubt, this is one of those things,” Nalwa said.
