The James Logan Courier

By Julie Mendoza, Courier Staff Writer

What makes growing up such a struggle is that, gradually, the decisions you make begin to affect you more severely. Paranoid with the fear of making the wrong decision, teenagers are forced into maturity. That's why it's so common to look back and miss how simple and carefree life once was. For many, life is a state of constant indecisiveness combined with the pressure to be successful.

Being a teenager you're surrounded by all the elements of your life — friends, family, school — all of which want your undivided attention. Teenage priorities become torn. It's a burden settling on what decision is best. Students motivate themselves in their own personal way.
My colleague on The Courier's staff, senior Ranjana Prasad, says that her motivation for making decisions are "living to see the next day, graduating, living on my own."�

Parents often dedicate themselves to showing the value of education. They cram values, responsibilities, and expectations into our youth, hoping for the best. As a result, school is high priority for some students.

"I want to go to a good college," says Cody Mongose, junior. She pursues her goal by "doing extra work and asking for extra credit."

Unfortunately, school isn't the only important aspect in an adolescents life.

"Work, school, and friends are my things right now," says Leslie Espino, senior and Courier staffer.

We've grown to believe that these are our golden years. These are the years consumed with rebellious stories we'll tell our kids someday. In the simplest terms, it's also a priority to live life to the fullest, even if that means making mistakes.

"I love making the wrong decisions 'cause you learn from them," says Prasad, senior.

Few parents seem to understand that.

These competing priorities lead to internal conflicts, too. Trapping yourself in endless studies, paranoid about the future, creates misery. However, being consumed in carelessness and fun, obsessed with friends, inflicts irresponsibility. Some are fortunate enough to find an appropriate balance.

"My priorities are trying to get good grades and living my life while I'm still a minor," says The Courier's Gabri di Fiore, senior. Most have trouble with uncertainty about their decisions in life.

"I worry that I'm coming out of high school I'm not gonna make the right decision and it's gonna take longer to get where I need to go," admits Leslie Espino, senior.

My advice to those who are concerned about their future is to always think twice and decide on what's in the best interest of yourself. Of course, every teenager has their exceptions. It's expected that we sometimes be adventurous and enjoy our time as minors, before worrying ourselves about the adult world. You get as much as you earn. We have the opportunity to succeed and pursue our most important goals. Why not take advantage and set high priorities for ourselves?