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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Adolescence/Teen Years (07/16/09)
You don't understand me!

At all.

Sure, you say that you were a teenager once.

A thousand years ago.

Okay, maybe not a thousand years. Or even one hundred years ago. But long enough to not really know what I'm going through!

You have no idea the pressures I'm facing. You think it's all just teenage drama.

Alright, I do admit that I may get a little over-emotional at times. And sometimes I may have a bit of an attitude.

It's not all drama, though.

I have a deep need for justice; for the world to make sense. It doesn't, you know.

Just watch the evening news. There's enough going on in this world today that would make anyone freak out.

Now imagine if you feel absolutely powerless to do anything about it.

I'm not old enough to be taken seriously by the people who are in control, and I'm too old to be blissfully ignorant of the real issues going on around me.

Like, there's at least seven girls at my school who are pregnant.

One of the girls in my class has attempted suicide three times.

Half the girls I know have some kind of eating disorder.

I'm pretty sure that I'm the only virgin among my group of friends.

We pass through metal detectors every day, and policemen wander the grounds, in hopes that someone won't come and shoot us all one day.

I may have one or two Christian teachers, but they aren't allowed to say anything about their faith for fear of losing their job.

Most of the kids around me are convinced that absolute morality does not exist.

Yeah. That's the reality of my world.

I will argue with you over small things because I need to know there are boundaries.

I care so much about recycling and environmental conservation because that's much easier to address than things like human trafficking and genocide.

I beg for independence because I want to feel like I have the power to make a difference, however small.

You see? It's not all teenage drama.

It's about growing up, and recognizing that I have a role in this world. I have a part to play.

And I desperately need for you to understand me.

Maybe, then, we can work together; and you can help me to find my role, to make that difference in this world.

That's all I'm asking for.

Well, maybe also an iPod would be nice.
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This article has been read 1351 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sara Harricharan
07/23/09
Oh yes, an ipod is a must. Absolutely, completely entirely necessary. LOL. Fun piece!
Sharon Kane
07/26/09
Yes, that about sums it up!
If we are wise we'll let our youth throw their energy into worthy causes while they still believe they can change the world. It's those who have no such outlet whose energy so often gets misdirected into much more harmful activities. Nicely done!
william price
07/27/09
"I'm not old enough to be taken seriously by the people who are in control, and I'm too old to be blissfully ignorant of the real issues going on around me."
GREAT LINE. ENjoyed your entry very much. Gald you decided to enter it. God bess.
Betty Castleberry
07/27/09
Your MC has wise insight. You captured the angst (or is it bewilderment?) of teens very well.

Love the last line.
Carol Slider 
07/28/09
Wow... it would be difficult to process all those conflicting emotions, as well as a sense of responsibility for the problems of the world. You really help us empathize with this young woman who yearns to find her place in the world. Well done.