Generations
A teenager. With that come the fears, anger and confusion of leaving the safety of early childhood to the beginning of entering an adult world. A world that now comes with more rights, but also more responsibility. You're not a kid anymore, but you're not an adult either. You are the new generation. The ones who will be responsible for the world when we adults are no longer around. This is your time to train for that duty. Look at the past. What has worked? What has not? Bring your youthful attitude and optimism to the table, and let us hear from you. You might be the one to change the world! Now is the time to define your causes and face your fears.
Each generation has been where you are now. They had their own battles and causes. They made their mistakes and had their triumphant moments. You will too. You will fall. You will get back up, stronger and wiser each time from the experience. You will be tempted to lie down and be content with the role of a victim. Don't you dare stay there! Choose to be a survivor, not a victim!
You have seen the faces of terrorism, bigotry, hatred and intolerance more times than you care to admit. It is everywhere you look. At your schools, in your neighborhoods, and sometimes in your own home. It has grown to include an attack on not only our Nation, but the world. Peace has once again been terrorized.
Don't feel alone. A lot of us adults share those same feelings with you. Let's talk, please. We can learn from each other.
Think of this as your boot camp in life training. You will have drill instructors who want to shove their way down your throat, and tell you what you should say, do, think and feel. You will have the medics there to patch up your wounds when something cuts deep into your body. You will have the Chaplin to help heal your soul when it has been wounded. And you will have mentors. Those of us who refuse to talk down to you, and will treat you as equal. We will share in your pain, and your triumph.
