Teen Speak Out

In response to “LOOK AROUND:” You tell me what there is to do in my town. We have no mall or gathering place. There are no clubs or even a community hall or sports park that we can go and have fun and be kids. These people wonder why kids get into trouble. There is nothing to do! (reply)

In response to “ABOUT TIME:” You say you want more and more and that you’re going get it one way or the other, but you really need a reality check. Instead of asking your parents and grandparents to get you more stuff, why don’t you just grow up and get a job? It’s not that hard. Nothing is going to get handed to you for free all your life. Plus, once you get into working for your own things, you can feel more proud of yourself for doing it yourself. Take it from someone who is 18 and is working to get her permit, license and car, because my parents won’t buy me anything without me doing it myself. What you need and what you want are two different things. You really should appreciate the things you have now, because there are other people in this world who don’t have anything at all. (reply)

In response to “PARENTS’ RULE:” I think your parents are right on. This world we live in is scary. So many people are out there to harm others, especially children. They can so easily be swayed and your parents know that. Take your parents’ advice and don’t get on Facebook. It’s not what it is cracked up to be. I have gotten in so many fights and misunderstandings with my friends using Facebook and it’s not something I even tried to do. Stay off it! (reply)

In response to “ANOTHER IDEA:” Maybe you should just relax and enjoy your youth. Being an adult isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. It’s a lot. You have responsibilities that make schoolwork look like a vacation. Enjoy yourself. You’ll be there soon enough. Maybe buy one of those track phones that cost $20 a month instead of using an iPhone. You’ll be happy. (reply)

Please, I need help! I really don’t want to go to my local high school. My dreams are to be on Broadway, and my high school will not give me the knowledge to achieve that dream. There is a high school in Hartford that I would die to go to, but my parents refuse to let me go. They say that I wouldn’t have a ride, and it’s too far away. I’ve gotten multiple offers to carpool me there, but my parents still say no. What do I do? (reply)

In response to “STOP COMPLAINING:” Who are you to say that I have what I need? What is need vs. want? I have what I need, I suppose, but I would like to have more. I would like to have more than one pair of jeans and shoes. I would like to get a new backpack this year and not use my brother’s from his last two years of high school. I have what I need, but I want more and I think it’s about time that I get more. I am going to have a chat with my parents and grandparents. (reply)

In response to “DOG:” A dog is a commitment for a life that has feelings and needs, it’s not just something to toss aside when the novelty wears off. It needs to be fed quality food, neutered/spayed, licensed, trained, groomed, vet visits, cleaned up after, exercised, not allowed to roam. All this is not only time-consuming but very expensive. Depending on the size of the dog, it could live anywhere from 8 years to as much as 15 years and in rare cases 20 years. My mother says routine care averages about $1,500 per year; if there is an illness or accident, this figure could easily double or triple. And it does not include fencing in your yard. My suggestion is finish school, get a job, save a lot of money, move out, then get whatever dog you like. (reply)

In response to “ALL THERE IS?” Look harder! There are plenty of things to do other than drugs, alcohol, etc. (reply)

Most people are hurting because of the president’s bad economy, so our families have to scrape by. Our family hasn’t taken a vacation in two years. So, I am sick of the president, Mrs. Obama, and his daughters taking vacations every month. And, to put more salt on the wound, they have been taking separate vacations, going in different directions, and our tax dollars pay for the trips. These monthly vacations aren’t cheap, they cost millions. I don’t even want to talk about the vice president, who is running up a huge tab, too. They are all quick to blast us about different things, they don’t walk the walk. (reply)