You've heard of "Generation x" but how about the "Millennial Generation?" Those are children who are currently in their teens. And when it comes to the potentially negative influences they encounter, Grand Rapids area teenagers say pressure to succeed tops the list.
In a study conducted by teens, for teens, for the first time in a while pressure is the most preoccupying part of life. And many think that leads to a whole host of other problems.
"A number of my fellow students and myself do see that pressure to succeed," says West Catholic High Senior Mark Ayers.
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation Youth Grant Committee surveyed teens ages 12-to-18. Some said in a world of expanding media, life pressures go beyond simple school yard rivalries. Because of the Internet, contact with teens worldwide makes it more overwhelming when it comes to succeeding in life.
"[On the Internet] You can be scared into thinking does this person have something that I don't? This might be the person that could beat me out getting into a school, or a job," Ayers says.
Some students say consistently bad economic news makes them worry a lot about getting a job. But, pressure goes beyond worry about achievement.
"The need for you to be what you see in the media/magazines you get this sense of pressure that will put you down," City High Junior Aqueelah Seifullah says.
The need to conform and fit it are some of the most damaging ideas according to some teens. They worry pressure will lead to drug or alcohol abuse, the number one concern on the last survey. So, what to do? "Different camp programs or competitive sports programs where you can get a sense of togetherness can actually help," Seifullah says.
Sports, art and music programs were at the top of the list for what students find most helpful to deal with their everyday problems and stresses.
The Youth Grant Committee doled out more than $50,000 of funding last year for community programs. This year they will look at ways to help students deal with pressure, when passing out grant money.
For more information, log onto www.grfoundation.org.
Keith Baldi
In your voice
