The 2026 Carl C. Bell Memorial Award Winning Essay‍ ‍
By Benedict Arevalo

Today, as a member of Generation Z, I feel a disconnection between me and people my age. I believe this feeling is more widespread than we openly admit, and many of my peers likely experience it as well but struggle to express it. The endless access to the digital world often causes us to miss opportunities for genuine friendships, meaningful experiences, and being fully present in the moment. Constantly being online keeps us feeling lonely, disconnected as we replace meaningful interactions with scrolling on tiktok or browsing on instagram. 

The loss in relationships and in dialogue is especially concerning because it affects our development in empathy, communication, and emotional awareness. Without these qualities, we risk failing to be present for loved ones. These effects extend beyond relations and influence how we view ourselves. I, along with many of my peers, struggle with FOMO. Being chronically online, we are exposed to the highlights of other’s lives, causing us to forget that we are only seeing their best moments. As a result we compare our everyday lives to these highs of someone else's lives. These comparisons make anybody my age feel anxiety, or believing we are behind others. In reality, we are going at our own pace and we will have our moment, but until then this stays on their mind and eats away at them feeling burned out from this constant stress. 

But at the same time, there are benefits: the access to all the information allows us to be more aware of global issues and to make proper informed decisions to respond. Many people my age are passionate about issues, a large occurrence occurring this year with the ICE controversies. My school with several schools as well in our district participating in a walk out against ICE. These protests were largely coordinated through social media demonstrating how digital platforms can unite and amplify an important message. The digital world has the potential to strengthen unity and give young people a voice. 

However, with all this said with my consumption of media, I found myself more sad and pessimistic about the world. So overtime I set boundaries, like setting a limit on screen time, as the overconsumption of media affected me mentally and physically. Spending less time allowed me to reconnect with friends, and rediscover hobbies like reading, which I had abandoned after choosing social media over reading. Taking breaks develops a stronger sense of identity and engages more fully with the world around us. But, the most important strategy I practiced was gratitude and focusing on what I had. I had feelings of envy before, and longed for a different lifestyle, but over time I realized that my own life is meaningful and fulfilling. By appreciating what I have, I become more content and less influenced by comparisons online. 

I plan to continue using social media in a mindful and controlled way. The digital world will always play a role in everyone's life though, but hopefully people won't lose themselves to it. Hopefully positive strategies become widespread and that this access to the digital world only benefits us.

“How Technology Influences Your Brain and Mood.” Peak Behavioral Health, https://peakbehavioral.com/how-technology-influences-your-brain-and-mood/

“Digital Burnout: Why Constant Screens Exhaust You.” ReachLink, https://reachlink.com/advice/stress/digital-burnout/

“Technology Has the Power to Address Global Challenges.” EkasCloud, https://www.ekascloud.com/our-blog/technology-has-the-power-to-address-global-challenges/3406

“The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Reducing Screen Time.” Associated Clinic of Psychology, https://acp-mn.com/about-acp/blog/mental-and-physical-health-benefits-of-reducing-screen-time/

Benedict Arevalo’s Bio: Hi, I’m Benedict “Ben” Arevalo, an 18‑year‑old first‑year student at the University of Illinois Chicago, where I’m pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree. I grew up in Romeoville, Illinois, and I’m grateful for my supportive parents and sister who’ve always encouraged me to aim high and stay grounded. I love lifting, spending time with friends, volunteering, playing tennis, and occasionally reading. In high school, I took AP Psychology, a class that really shaped my interests and ultimately led me to this scholarship. I was honored to receive a school‑wide award recognizing my dedication to the course. As I begin my college journey, I’m excited to seek new connections, and open myself to new experiences.

Future Plans: I plan to become a Civil Engineer and to become a professor for this path. I hope to mentor young students and future engineers, encouraging them to prioritize balance and well‑being while exploring a field I truly care about. In the long run, I want to help reshape the narrative around engineering and mental health while making a meaningful impact in the profession.

Second Place Winner:
Bethanie Sorisho
Grade 12 | Age 18
Niles West High School
Chicago, IL

Third Place Winner:
Asma Hussaini
Grade 11 | Age 17
Glenbard East High School
Lombard, IL

Honorable Mentions:
Brandy Shaw; Age 14; Elmhurst, IL
Sydney Baca; Age 17; Chicago, IL