Teen Troubles

An Essay on Problems That Teenagers Experience

Pine Point School

8th Grade English

Jennifer Carroll

Everyone has or will experience being a teenager. For some, it’s enjoyable, the first breath of freedom in years and taste of what’s to come in their adult lives. For others, it’s a long string of unhappy and dark years filled with uncertainty and second guesses. This essay is about some of the problems teens may experience during their lives, and why teens may feel this way.                                                                                                                

 Teenagers are complicated and confusing creatures, at the most fragile stage of life where they feel like every single action they take or every word they speak isn’t the correct one to use in a situation. Many teenagers face serious problems in their day to day lives. Some teenagers have unstable and dangerous home life. They may put in predicaments where they are abused physically and emotionally every day. They could be neglected, therefore showing up late or not at all to school or activities some days. Also, a lot of teens have to deal with peer pressure every day. Their friends might want them to smoke, or drink or do something that they’re uncomfortable with in order to look “cool”. These messy situations often lead to the teen in question succumbing in order to keep his or her friends. Lastly, many teenagers are very self conscious. They can feel like they aren’t pretty, or strong or smart enough. These feelings can escalate from self consciousness to serious medical issues like anorexia, bulimia and even suicide. Lots of teenagers have very serious and complex problems in their life, and it’s important to help them through their troubles, whether they are your child or simply your friend.

Being a teenager myself, I understand many of the complicated problems that teenagers all over the world face. One problem that I am facing is the thought of going to Stonington High School next year. Having gone to Pine Point my entire life, the idea of leaving to go to a public high school is an extremely daunting prospect. I’m terrified for what the next year might bring. Another issue I face is going to Vermont for six weeks on my own over the summer. Usually, when I go to a camp, I’m with my twin brother or a friend, and I never stay for as long as six weeks. But when I leave this summer I’m entirely by myself, and have no one I know waiting for me at camp. These are a few of the problems I face that are similar to fears and troubles that other teens in the world might have.

            While experiencing adolescence, you will be confused at times, unsure of yourself or unwilling to believe that you can do something. These feelings of being lost and bewildered at your surroundings will fade as you gain confidence in yourself. Every teenager knows the feeling of doubt, especially when thinking about themselves and things involving each other. Problems are natural in lives, but teenagers- children- should not have to confront such serious issues as those addressed in this essay.

Self Assessment: I am working to overcome my problem of thinking things before I write and sometimes skipping words. I think I do a good job with details and elaborating on sentences. One weak point is making sure sentences fit together and flow. I would give myself an A- for this essay.