Full Text: The Future's So Bright...

On "blogosphere" I have no idea if it is in any dictionary but I do know it is a movement that has found a new way to hold accountable many of our public and private institutions. Yes, it can be a set of echo chambers but it can also lead to new forms of social capital and maybe even a new generation of leaders.

O'Brien: What do I imagine for myself in the future? Who knows? I remember being in third grade, daydreaming about the year 2000, and oo-la-la the future looked bright. I was convinced I would be riding in flying cars and living on Mars. Well, that obviously didn't work out.

I'm young and the future is a mystery. Nobody knows what's in store! Many times I feel like society puts too much pressure on teens and young adults to have a plan, and to know exactly what they want from life. I mean, hell, my parents and teachers began drilling me on my college options before I was even a freshman in high school! I am turning 18 in less than a week. The world is telling me I'm now an "adult," but I feel so young, and so unprepared for the "adult life" ahead. Being a kid is a blast, finding Neverland doesn't sound like such a bad idea. I know I am going to college, I know I want to travel throughout my life and I know I want to someday find a job that I am passionate about. That's all I know...I'll follow the path as I go, I suppose.

In addition, may I just add, I am young, agreed, but "way to young to realize this"? Well, that's a bunch of B.S. I guess I'm allowed to "legally" be an adult but still not be treated like one. While I am obviously not in tune and updated on all the mysteries of the world around me, I'm not naive or ignorant, and I definitely know what it is like to talk to someone who is only "half there." I suppose when it comes down to it, people are selfish in a way, and will only listen and pay attention to matters they believe "worth their time."