We Are the Future
by Christine Lebrun, age 19

What pressures do I feel? I have to get good grades in school so that I have a place I can live and so that my parents will accept me. I feel the pressures of older people thinking that everyone under the age of 20 is doing the things we do because we're rebelling, and they just chalk everything up to us being teenagers. In some cases the parents need to look at themselves and see that they could very well be the issue that requires changing, not us.

I'm tired of always being called "that damn teenager with the N in the back window." We should be seen as valued contributors to society rather than as soley taking up space.

I just wish adults would believe in youth and tell us more often, "Yes! Go for it! I know you can!" instead of always putting us down with comments like, "You don't have enough money to do that" or "That's reality for you!" I believe that we make our own reality, and I've choosen mine. Its about time that adults start going after what they want to do in life instead of sitting back and watching reality TV while losing reality with themselves and their own families.

Parents CAN make a difference in their kids' lives. I just wish that they were interested in knowing how instead of ignoring the fact that there is a problem. We are not the cause of the family breakdowns. We are not the cause of all the violence in today's world. We are not damn teenagers but rather young adults who are finding their way. Adults should embrace this chance rather than being confused by it.

Take the time to talk to us. Lend us some inspirational advice. We are the key to the future, and we're coming up with a bunch of new and great ideas. Take the time to listen to us and see what it is we're trying to express. Don't just shrug us off saying, "We're going off about nothing." Words are powerful and should not be ignored.