How can you hear someone if he is not speaking? Sometimes the reason people don’t listen to young people is because it seems there is nothing to listen to. All too often we seem to others to be apathetic, uninvolved, or unaccomplished. By participating in such simple activities as reading, writing and being informed on important current issues and events, we can benefit in a myriad of ways.
Our generation has already started on a positive note. We are responsible for rocketing one of the most successful book series in history to the best-seller list. We have been integral in establishing new ways to communicate through blogs, instant messages, and e-mail. As a group, we are proving to be more engaged and informed than previous generations, especially regarding issues of social importance. But, sometimes it seems that just a few people are responsible for boosting our generation’s track record. It doesn’t make sense, though, that so many are missing out on what the rest have discovered as some of life’s best and most rewarding ways to step up to the plate.
You often hear members of older generations chastising members of our generation for not reading, writing, or being informed. The truth is that despite what they say, chances are that their batting averages weren’t that great when they were young either. The reason they are so focused on the issue is sincere, though. They realize what they missed out on and are trying to impart their knowledge to us, so we can learn from their mistakes and/or lack of involvement. So take the hint and do something. You can start by reading, writing, and being informed.
One of the most important things that a young person can do is read. A study by ACT states that many high school students are graduating without the reading skills needed to succeed in college or in the workplace. It notes that the state standards set to regulate high school reading instruction are inadequate and that not enough high school teachers are teaching necessary reading skills/strategies. This is no excuse. Even if the schools don’t teach what should be taught, that does not mean you can’t read on your own.
