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Gender bullying is a daily reality in my small Southern school. One of my best friends was called a dyke and shoved into lockers -- even though she dates a boy and looked stunning in her prom dress.

My friend Sydney was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died at the age of 11. My goal has been to raise enough money to find a cure for brain cancer, which is the second most common cancer in children.

I know that I do not have the power to remedy every problem in Africa, but I do know that I have the desire to try and that inspiration is contagious.

Cards for Hospitalized Kids began with a simple dream of giving hope and joy to ill children, but it has turned into a nationwide organization that has given handmade cards to more than 4,500 kids.

After coming face-to-face with one community's lack of access to a vaccine that I had taken for granted, I decided to try to make a difference with respect to the imbalance between "haves" and "have-nots."

With the help of Africa Bags, seven Malawian villages have transformed into independently flourishing communities. Africa Bags doesn't just raise money and send it over; we teach the villagers a trade they can utilize by themselves to support their families.

I created a national campaign, Shake Off Violence, beginning with a 90-day ceasefire. The purpose of the campaign is to raise public awareness about youth violence and to promote peace.

If more people my age are empowered to impact the world for the better by being given positions of leadership and responsibility, we will form a tidal wave of change and social good.

We founded "MusicMDs" in 2009, a volunteer organization of youth musicians using their time and talent to create an atmosphere enhancing patient healing in local healthcare institutions.

I have walked across the country on this mission, visiting shelters, sleeping on the streets, and donating backpacks filled with school supplies. Our children need help to find homes.

I live between impoverished sections of Philadelphia and Trenton. Although sheltered in my oasis of affluence, I nonetheless couldn't help but see the pain and anxiety of neighboring inner-city parents.

I led a group of 14 students to the Asociación Bendición de Dios School in Guatemala to deliver computers. Five-year-old José was so excited he was to learn games and be able to search on the Internet.

I started a club at my school called Club PB&J in 2010. With over 100 members, I allowed teenagers to step outside of their comfort zone and learn how to help those less fortunate.

Ed.: Please note, submissions for the Teen Impact contest are no longer being accepted. Thanks for your participation and interest! We believe that...