Thinking Youth We speak to 10 local youths and ask them what’s on their mind. TAYLA ADAMS Age 14 I think about life and I feel really grateful for lots of stuff, simple things like having a roof over my head, a family who are really nice to me, and I feel privileged to be able to do things like go down the sounds on the boat, dance class, sports. I do fear a lot of things but I make myself overcome them because my mum always told me that if you’re scared of something you’ve got to make yourself do it. I’m scared of the ocean but I’ve just learnt to wake board! ASHLEE HICKMAN Age 13 One thing that is always on my mind is... Thinking about my dream of owning a stationery/accessories empire. I’ve made a start with a few products which I sell online... bath bombs, hair ties, scrunchies... every dream has to start somewhere! Take a look - www. creativeashlee.com ZOE MEAD Age 16 I think most teenagers my age these days are mostly thinking about work and school, as well as the future. Having to find a part time job to get things like a licence, fuel and a car. As well as spending a couple hours each night completing homework. Preparing myself and setting myself up with a good future is what I find myself mostly thinking about. Also thinking about how lucky I am to have such amazing friends and boyfriend, seeing them everyday is what gets me through school day after day. JESSICA WILLIAMS Age 14 Something that is constantly on my mind is the pressure of society expectations. Everyone expects you to do something or be someone that you aren’t, which can hide who you truely are. You feel judged if you have a different opinion or you don’t have a career pathway in mind. Life is about living and if we are chained to everyone else then we cannot live. STELLA LANG Age 15 I am always thinking about my future path through my education, being in year 10, I can start to choose the courses that can begin to shape my future. My future will include what I would love to do in my life and this includes my educational career path and also a zest for travel. I think about what will impact on our ability to travel in regards to the recent tragedies
in Christchurch and also the importance of educating ourselves and becoming involved and knowledgeable in local and world politics so that we have the tools to impart change as a whole on a global scale, particularly in terms of climate change and our responsibility as future guardians of our communities, culture and society. There are so many complex matters that we need to be acutely aware of as a generation. I believe this is our duty and responsibility. IMOGEN BERGHAN Age 13 I think about the future, most importantly what will it look like and what will happen to the environment in 20 years time. Will earth still be green? I am keen to be part of the enviro group at my college which hopefully I can join in my senior years. As a cadet in the Junior Military airforce, I enjoy being apart of a group that is all about making a difference. MORGAN MCALISTER Age 15 For me it’s important that my friends and family are happy. I’m always thinking about them and wanting to make sure that my interactions with them are positive. I don’t want to feel like I’ve let anyone down if I’ve been selfish or allowed someone to feel bad. PHEONIX ELTRINGHAN Age 14 I’ve realised how important it is to surround yourself with good people and good friends. Not being peer pressured to be someone your not and not feel like you can’t be yourself. I do think about the people in my life and how they bring out the best in me. It’s important to make sure I have people in my life for the right reasons. DUGALD BLUE Age 17 I am in my first year of a two year farm Cadetship in the Rakaia Gorge, so my future is constantly on my mind. What will I be doing when I finish my Cadetship? I also find I think about home a lot, from both a work and roots perspective. BEN HULBURT Age 18 The environment is a huge concern. We are almost at the point of no return and if we don’t fix this then there really is no point debating other issues as there won’t be a world to worry about. The generations before need to help balance the damage that was done and not leave it for future generations.
