[Navy Brat]

Hi Everyone,

I am a college student at California State University- San Bernardino. I need responses from teenagers about these topics. This is for my humanities class (American Childhood). If you're not a teen, it's ok as long as you sound like one. I know it isn't ethical for me to say that, but that's how desperate I am to finish the assignment.

You don't have to give me your real names when answering. All I need are answers to the questions. I will not alter your responses to make you sound foolish, but I will try to make it seem like I interviewed two people at the same time (That is, if I even get more than one person).

Anyway, here is what I need to do for the assignment (This is the word-for-word description from my teacher):

Interview two adolescents (teenagers) about growing-up in our society today. Have them define what it means to be a teenager now. What are their frustrations? If they could change something about their childhood, what would that be? How do they feel about the way they were raised? How do they feel about school and getting an education in America? How do they feel about friends on peer pressure? How do they feel about gangs and violence concerning children in America? What is one gripe (complaint) that they have about their parents? Write down anything else added to the conversation/interview (I will be doing the writing). Type this up and add it to the portfolio (I will be doing this, so you don't need to worry).

If you agree or disagree with another person, please say so. I need to make this sound as if I was interviewing two people at the same time.

Thanks so much.

Navy Brat

[xellekimx]

I guess I'm still technically a teen as I'm turning 19 on August so I decided to answer :]
My name's Michelle and I'll be a sophmore at SUNY - Stony Brook in the fall.

What does it mean to be a teenager now?
Other than experiencing puberty, I think being a teenager is the time where you learn more about life outside the box. You're no longer ignorant of modern day issues that deal with politics, drugs, sex, etc and your eyes are open to a lot of things. You're not yet an adult but you're not a baby anymore either.

Frustrations?
The one biggest frustration I can think of that's probably common in most teenagers is trying to socially fit in. It's nice to be popular, to have friends and be accepted by peers but it doesn't always work out that way. I remember when I moved from NY to MD junior year in high school, I didn't have too many friends and felt like an outcast. It was very lonely. It wasn't until I started college back in NY that I felt back at home and comfortable.
Now, as an adult in college.. I'm mostly frustrated about doing well in school. I'm focused on achieving high grades, interning, volunteering and working.

What would you change something about your childhood?
I moved around a lot as a kid. It was on average, probably about every year or two. I started junior high school in NYC and moved (graduated) in eighth grade to a different town. Same for high school. Whether it was to a new house, town or state... I think it's mentally impacted me a lot. I have friends since I was third grade but we aren't as close as I wish we were. I feel envious of people who's been in the same house and went to the same school district as a child. Life's probably a lot more stable when you're not constantly on the move.

What about the way you were raised?
I feel very lucky about the way I was raised. I feel like it was done properly and I love my family to death. Even if they don't say their affections aloud, I know I can always depend on them for anything that comes my way. I have my own morals and beliefs and I think they're pretty straight. I mean, I know the difference between right and wrong; I don't do drugs, I don't party all the time... so I believe I was brought up the right way.

The American school system?
Again, I feel lucky for having gotten an education in the States. I've learned what I needed to know, met some great teachers and professors along the way and that's really all that matters. The fact that the system is lenient compared to other countries like Korea is another reason why I love it. We don't need to attend school on Saturdays nor Sundays but we still study pretty hard.

Any gripes about the parents?
Hmm, nothing really but sometimes I wish my dad showed more affection. He's the only guy in the household so there's some distance between us. When I see tv shows that have fathers and daughters affectionately chatting and hugging, I get a tiny wittle bit jealous.

haha, crap I wrote a lot. I had a lot of time on my hands (obviously).. well anyway, I hope I helped :]

[angelic_diablo]

I'd like to help out but I don't live in the states. I can still answer some of them if u want and just make up the american education thingy part on ur own..