by Jesyka Waterman

Created on: February 23, 2007   Last Updated: April 27, 2010

Lack of spelling, use of slang, and generally poor intellect are things that seem to plague the teenage culture these days. As a senior in high school I see it every single day on my way to class, and yet I don't understand it one bit. There has been much written saying either that the teachers need to step up, or that the parents need to step up, but I think what really needs to happen is the teenagers need to take responsibility.

Sure, I've had some classes that aren't particularly exciting, but the fact of the matter is that at least I am learning something. I feel better about myself just knowing that I can hold an educated conversation with someone. I guess I am privileged in that I have the opportunity to participate in my school's International Baccalaureate Program, which is essentially an accelerated program that allows many of us to earn 24-30 college credits in high school. In these classes you are surrounded with people that are as motivated as myself, but once you step outside it's a whole new world.

It's as if I am stepping between two different eras. When I am in an IB class, learning is an opportunity that should be grasped. When you step outside, however, learning is an act of force. What happened to the time when kids wished they could get more than an eighth grade education? We may not be in a farming community any longer, but nonetheless there is still a lot to be gained from education that teenagers don't seem to understand.

On the other hand, I can't blame teenagers entirely. If it hadn't been for my mother's pushing me to do well in school I probably wouldn't stay motivated either. Parents have a responsibility to their kids to motivate them. And teachers? Teachers can't be expected to save the day when it comes to this type of thing, but they should do their part to make the class at least somewhat interesting. Just because you love the subject doesn't mean everyone does, so you might have to do a little bit of work to make the connection with some students, but if that's what it takes then it's worth it.

As a teenager I'm a bit tired of people assuming that I can't speak, write, or communicate effectively, so for my sake, I believe we all need to work together!

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