Today's young people

So, last week I told you I was chaperoning a bunch of young people for a few days. I love working with them. They really energize me, and this weekend reminded me why I write books for them. A lot of people talk about all the bad things that teenagers in this country are doing. Those who are doing great things don't get enough publicity, so I'm just going to use my little platform here to give them a bit of good press.

Here are just a few things that I heard or saw while I was there:

At the carnival that the kids put on:

--"This is the best day of my freaking life!" One 18 year old girl said. What had she been doing? Helping a special needs child play games. 

--A 15 year old boy cheering on and complimenting little kids playing a game he was running.

--A 17 year old girl walking around holding hands and guiding a special needs young man through the carnival. She was smiling and laughing and so was he. 

On campus:

--Young men and women holding doors open, getting drinks and treats, carrying suitcases, etc. for others.

At the talent show:

--Cheering for all acts no matter how amateur they were.

--A song of tribute for a young teenage girl killed in a car accident.

--A young man who has to work a lot harder at walking than the rest of us changing the sets and making sure everything was just right for each performance.

At the dances:

--Kids dancing with someone they wouldn't have chosen and enjoying it and being considerate.

--Dancing in groups so no one is left out.

--Those who know dances teaching those who don't rather than making fun.

I could keep going, but this is running long and you get the idea. Sure there were times when some fell short and weren't as considerate as they could be, but, in general, I saw so many things to make me proud of them. They made it easy and fun to be a chaperone for them.