Teens Can Change the World

            This generation's group of teenagers is often viewed as being immature and a disgrace to the society. We are often thought of as one whole, when we are actually all individuals put into one group. We all have so much to say and contribute to society, but are ignored and put to the side because we "aren't mature enough". Like Adora Svitak said in the video, kids dream big and aren't concerned with limitations while adults lack that ability. As teenagers, I believe that we are at the halfway mark between those two ways of thinking. We have the ability to imagine all of these creative and new ideas while still being somewhat realistic. Teens are also known for complaining about everything; especially their parents and other adult/authoritive figures. Teens complain about the way they run things and the way that they act. This leads me to believe that most teenagers want to be different from the adults around them. Therefore, when this generation grows up, we will have learned from past leaders' mistakes and will be a new society with a fresh perspective on things. To sum everything up, I just really think that if anyone ever wants anything to change, they have to allow it to happen.

Looking for a Best Friend

I am looking for a new best friend! This person must be good at listening and giving advice for when I need them. They must also know how to have fun and not take anything too seriously. My best friend must also be trustworthy and kind; not only to me, but to everyone in general. As a best friend, I will listen to you, be honest with you and always treat you with kindness and respect.

A Change of Perspective

        I open my eyes and look up around me to realize that I am alone again. The house is so still and quiet, I can hear myself panting. I pick myself up and stroll over to my bowl of water on the floor to get a drink. Through the window, I can hear the birds chirping outside and someone mowing their lawn down the street; I can tell that it's a beautiful day. I make my way down the hallway to Taylor's room and find one of her fuzzy purple slippers under her bed. I love to carry the slipper around with me all day because it has fur like me and makes me feel less lonely. I don't know where my family goes all day or why they have to leave me behind, but I don't like it. I hear noises just outside the front window, so I run barrel down the hall to the living room. I climb up on the couch which is something that my family would normally yell at me for, but I need to get a good view to see who is walking by my house. I see a woman walking on the sidewalk and on the other end of the leash she is holding, I spot Bruno. Bruno is a an old German Shepherd, and one of my best friends. I bark "Hello" to him and he stops in his tracks to say "Hi" back to me and to tell me to come outside with him. His owner tugs on his leash in frustration, wanting to continue their walk. I bark back that I can't; my family isn't home and I have to stay inside. We exchange a few more words until his owner finally can't take it anymore and drags him down the pavement. Eventually, the excitement of seeing my friend goes away and I am left again with my loneliness. I play with my toys for a little while and run some laps through the house until I finally get tired and decide to lie in my bed for a nap. I wake a few hours later to the sound of footsteps on the porch. I hear someone putting their key into the lock and I spring up from my spot on the floor to run over and greet whoever it is. Taylor walks in and I jump up to lick her face; I'm so happy to see her! She hangs up her bag and kneels down on the floor to scratch behind my ears. "I am glad to see you Rocky! How was your day?" she asks. It was better, now that she was here.

Courage

         Courage is something that everyone possesses inside of themselves. Although courage is often only recognized when it is used in extreme situations, people carry out acts of courage everyday; some big and some small. I think that as teenagers, we display a lot of courage by going on with our lives as normal, knowing that in a few years we have to grow up and become adults overnight. Besides that, I personally was courageous when my grandfather died a few years ago. I was very close with him and it was difficult for me to deal with his passing and go to his funeral, but I did it anyways because I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do. There is a quote from Mary Anne Radmacher that says, "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'" (www.empowernetwork.com). I love this quote because it really sums up my idea that courage doesn't have to be something really outrageous, it could just be someone's will to power through the day.