They were well organized. Abroad, students have been at the vanguard of recent social and political change in Indonesia, Iran and China. Young people don't control the media. They generally don't hold high political office. They don't typically have lots of money, a common currency for swaying politicians.
Youth bring vision and energy to issues.
Youth have a robust faith. Youth are not easily dissuaded. Youth doggedly persist when they believe something to be good and right. Youth have a keen instinct for justice. Youth are not easily taken by smooth and sophisticated efforts to mask injustice.