"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." George Bernard Shaw
On April 11th, I experienced something I will hardly forget. Together with some classmates from my high school, Liceo Giulio Cesare in Rome, I took part in an event organized by the Italian clubs of Rotary International, focused on the theme of respect and legality. The initiative was born thanks to my participation in a contest, during which I had the privilege of working with a friend and classmate on an essay. That project sparked in me the desire to explore these essential topics even further.
It was an intense experience, full of emotions and reflections. A rare moment—the kind that touches something deep inside you—because it speaks of real, urgent issues that affect us all.
In an age where violence and intolerance seem to be spreading, respect and legality prove to be the pillars on which we must build a fairer society, where every individual’s dignity is acknowledged and protected.
What does respect really mean?
This was the core question of the event. A simple question, yet with a complex answer. We talk about it a lot, and yet we witness daily episodes that show the opposite. Why do so many people still choose the path of violence? Words alone are not enough. We need deeper reflection: how can we educate future generations to consciously choose the path of respect and legality?
Tonino Cantelmi: family, school, and compassion
Opening the event was Tonino Cantelmi, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and long-standing member of the Rotary Club Roma Sud. His speech was powerful and enlightening. He emphasized how family and school are the two cornerstones in the formation of young people. But above all, he spoke of compassion—that feeling that defines us as human beings and may be a key to getting through these difficult times. "Hope," he said, "is what can truly save us." For Cantelmi, school is much more than a place of learning: it’s a true educational agency, one that must work together with families to raise citizens who are aware, respectful of others, and of the rules of civil coexistence.
Maria Grazia Mazzola: the role of students and institutions
Equally deep and moving was the letter sent to us by Maria Grazia Mazzola, a journalist with RAI. Her message was clear: we students have a great responsibility. We can still do so much—but we are not alone. Institutions, too, must do their part, supporting every effort aimed at promoting respect in all areas of daily life.
Francesco Paolo Sisto: prevention before punishment
One of the most impactful moments came with the speech by Francesco Paolo Sisto, senator and Deputy Minister of Justice. With strong and sincere words, he described respect as something “terrible and wonderful.” "Violence," he said, "has nothing to do with respect." He stressed a crucial point: punishment always comes too late. "Punishment is a defeat," he stated. "It means that what should never have happened has already happened." The real challenge lies in prevention—starting from childhood, through education, culture, and knowledge, which are natural antidotes to illegality.
Senator Sisto also warned us about a modern, silent enemy: isolation, often amplified by the overuse of social media. "Sitting alone in front of a screen, believing we're sharing, only isolates us more," he said.
True strength lies in being together, in building authentic relationships. His final message was both powerful and inspiring: "Always have a Plan B in life. And let that Plan B be yourself."
A phrase I carry with me, because it holds an invitation to believe in ourselves and never give up, even when faced with difficulties.
Paola Frassinetti: school as a driver of change
Paola Frassinetti, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Education, also spoke via video. She reaffirmed the importance of the alliance between school, family, and institutions in the fight against violence. She reminded us of the recent introduction of civic education in schools and the creation of the Day of Respect, a key moment to pause, reflect, and take action.
A push toward the future
The event was long, intense, and filled with powerful testimonies, stories of courage, deep reflections, and the moving presence of women survivors who chose to share their experiences to build something meaningful. It left me with great energy and a strong desire to do my part. My dream is clear: a future where everyone can live without fear, where violence is never even an option, and where peace and respect are the foundations of our society. I will fight for a world in which each person feels safe, respected, and free to express themselves. A society where dignity, culture, and justice are the true pillars of coexistence.
