A Portrait of Gen Z: Winners of Our Second Annual Student Photo Contest

Wow. Several of these are as good as I've seen from any photographer, anywhere.

honestly I think that photo that spoke to mean the most was the one taken by Joshua Baker because I completely agree with him because we use our electronics does not mean we are reliant on them and it keeps us connected with friends and family and lets us spread ideas.

The photo taken by Fatimah Ardennes Fernandez spoke to me personally because I, too, feel as if college is coming very soon, and because of that I feel as close to my friends as ever. Furthermore, William Hohe's photo spoke to me because of its sense of having fun and enjoying one's youth. I too believe that teenagers should prioritize this, and the photo depicted it quite well.

what a beautiful picture[s] of our often misunderstood young ones, from all over the world. we have left myriad burdens on them. but I see here how they are facing them. they are our future.

The picture by Alison Tong speaks to me the most. Being a high school student isn't easy. We all have a bunch of homework we have to complete each night and on top of that we have to study for the one or multiple quizzes or tests we have each day. I am a Freshmen in High school, so I just getting used to what the teachers expect from me and the amount of work we have to get done all in one night. This photo is showing a boy who is obviously overwhelmed with a bunch of homework and studying to do. He has a bunch of books around him and he is sleeping on top of those books with ink all over his face because he is so tired. I relate to this person a lot because I also get stressed out and tired when it come to homework. But, when you think about it and you get used to it, it isn't so bad. Thong says at a young age we all got it drilled into our heads that there is a specific path to follow for success. She also says that all high school students have a packed schedule and a bunch of homework to do that we have no room for ourselves. I one hundred percent agree with her on this statement.

The picture by William Hohe struck me the most. I love being reminded that as teenagers, we are allowed to do things just because. It's okay for us to want adventure, to not have a reason for what we do, to do things for fun. These teenage years are so important, and it is critical that we are allowed a degree of freedom to find ourselves, what we love, and who we are. Overbearing parents can put a damper on these years rather than giving children the freedom that we need. While technology can help in this process, it is important to get off of social media and explore the world with people that matter to and support us.

The photograph taken by Alison Tong speaks for itself before you reach the small paragraph. At first, the photo seems confusing and somewhat scary, but then you start to recognize the words written on the person's face. After reading the explanation after, Tong does capture what it's like for everyone and how it truly is "drilled into our minds from a young age" that there has to be a specific path for success. This photo captures this expectation amazingly.

The photo by sunhyung lee speaks to me personally the most because she has a strong relationship with her grandmother. When i was younger I used to stay over my nana's house every weekend and it'd be a special thing to do. IN the morning we would make pancakes with my papa and then play board games and go outside. It was one of the best parts of my childhood and although i still may not do it that frequently today we still hold a strong relationship even though we are from different generations. This picture shows how difference in generations can have no effect on any relationships. Although older people may say we rely on technology and it is an addiction it can still be used in a fun way such as bonding with your grandmother.

The photo by Alison Tong speaks to me personally being a senior in high school. All the pressure of being the best to have a rigorous resume for college applications and for the real-world is all-consuming. As we strive to be the perfect students and perfect people, we lose ourselves in the process. This image represents my generation greatly as we put all our effort into everything, but we weaken ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically. Sleep deprivation becomes our norm and stress and anxiety become our constant emotional state. For me, my education means everything. However, like this boy pictured it has cost me effects on my mental health and physical health. Adults put this pressure on us to be perfect, but there's no such thing. As the pressure grows and grows, all you'll have left is a shell of a growing human being who is only trying to succeed and thrive in a society where perfection is deemed to be the norm.

I wish to thank the NYT for giving young people a platform on which to express themselves, verbally and visually. As the mother of one of the winners I am of course very proud, but especially touched by the creativity, sincerity, and emotion which went into each and every contribution. Let's support this generation as best we can, beyond this delicate phase and into adulthood. They deserve it.

This is such a beautiful portrayal of our children globally and what goes through their minds. I learn something new about them every day. These portraits present invaluable perspectives of Generation Z. Each portrait published here, makes me understand better yet another behavioral aspect of my own children - one 17, another 20. This is another generation, growing up in another time, with another set of challenges and opportunities. Great work, NYT!

I agree with Savannah. Also, I was struck by how articulate these students are, and how much they care.

What a beautiful and diverse picture of what Generation Z is truly about. Congratulations to these kids for speaking their truth and helping redefine what us adults think about them. It would be wonderful to see the full gallery of all the winners and finalists.