the teenagers of today
Adults perceive teenagers as self-absorbed and out
of touch with reality. I admit that many students contain these negative
qualities. For example, students spend more time on Facebook, on their phone,
or watching TV, than on their schoolwork. The most popular television programs
are anything but the current news stations. Students do not realize how
privileged they are to have the educational opportunities that many communities
and individuals pray for. This photograph is of Jessica Dunn, a thirteen year
old girl diagnosed with a type of bone cancer, osteosarcoma. She has
continually received chemo therapy for over a month. Jessica Dunn would give
anything to leave the hospital and go back to school. An opportunity that
current students take for granted. A community service requirement would force
students to take into consideration what a real struggle is. It is not a long
night of homework, a research paper, or SAT scores. Struggle is the thirteen year
old fighting cancer, the single mother working two jobs to provide a meal for
her family, and the victim begging to be heard. (Scallen, Niamh)