Gift of Adversity, by Tina Pinedo

The Aspirations of Teens
and World Impact

empowering women, families, and youth-at-risk through improved literacy, increased positive media, and tools for living.

By Lucy Portnoff

Artist, celebrity party planner, engineer, President of the United States--the sky’s the limit for a teenager’s future! When progressing through the journey of high school, teens begin to think about their plans for their careers and later lives.

But while setting themselves on a track to fulfill the task of finding the perfect job, many are faced with the realization that their hopes may not be entirely feasible. Certain limits such as availability of money and talent in an area of expertise are placed on young citizens, which makes it almost impossible for many to truly attain their dream job.

But supposing those limits were to be cast aside--if nothing could hold these teenagers back, what are they capable of achieving? History suggests that it is something these young people bring to their work, a spark of inspiration, that enables them to see where others cannot.

Because they have not yet had any experience in their field of study, adolescents often see only what could go right as opposed to what has gone wrong in the past. They know only enough to have that curiosity that engages them in their work, so they have nothing to discourage them, no previous failures. They bring a fresh point of view and outlook, and observe what others have missed.

In addition, teens have an advantage because they are at the point of their life where they don’t have the obligations that adults do. Because most do not have to worry about supporting themselves or a family, they are allowed to pursue their interests without thinking about the practicalities of everyday life. Teens are free to experiment and think about how they could most effectively contribute to society because they do not yet have a prominent role.

Acalanes High School freshman Sarah Taketa found her passion in cosmology, a branch of physics. With dreams of becoming a leading physicist and professor at Cambridge University, Taketa studies with the extreme dedication that has led so many before her to success.

“I would love to be a physicist, probably a cosmologist, when I get a job because I love learning about physics--I absolutely love discovering new, mind-bending things about the world around me, and an entire career dedicated to learning these things sounds amazing,” she says.

While hard work, dedication, and intellect will obviously play a role in her path to attaining her dream job, it is Taketa’s enthusiasm and resistance to limits that will take her far. “It doesn’t sound like a job to me--it sounds like doing something I love.”

This statement clearly reflects the avidity that the younger generation has to offer the world. The fresh and new perspectives that such a passionate group of people bring to their work is the key to unlocking new discoveries. This constant infusion of new ideas by the younger generation will further advance the base of knowledge, in physics and indeed all disciplines. Without limits, the achievements of teens can be infinite.

Lucy Portnoff is in 9th grade at Miramonte High School. She is part of the Public Speaking and Mock Trial programs and enjoys art and music.