Sarah Burningham: Teen Author

Graduation Gift Time

I was reading this article about parents giving teenagers cars for graduation and it made me wonder what the most common graduation gift is...I know I didn't get a car and neither did most of my friends. But it's not like I was expecting one. My parents had a celebration dinner with my family and my absolutely favorite cake and gave me some money for a study abroad thing I was dying to go on and it was perfect.

What are you asking for when you graduate? Do you parents give gifts or is the fact that they are probably helping pay for college the present?

Financially Savvy Teens are Taking Over

The economy is tanking. Not to sound depressing or anything, but gas is a freaking fortune and milk for my beloved Quaker Oatmeal Squares is ridiculously expense. (Note: If you haven't tried Oatmeal Squares, then you should. They come in a blue box.)

I find is particularly interesting that in this time of financial worry, there are so many articles on parents talking to their teens about money. It shows that money is a big concern for people right now and I think it's a good thing for you to learn some financial tricks now, because soon you'll be in college and at some point you will be faced with the decision how to spend the last $15 in your wallet--buying a book for a class or ordering pizza. (I was there more often than I like to admit and while I usually went for the book, I did order pizza a few times.) Here are my favorite articles and a few tidbits of advice from them:

• The Deseret News (Salt Lake City) this article is the best one I read...It says, a recent Charles "Schwab survey showed that 71 percent of parents think the best way for teens to learn about money is from guided, hands-on experience or from a parent's example, but few involve their teens in family budgeting and spending decisions. In fact, the survey said parents were more likely to teach their teens how to do laundry (70 percent) and how to cook (68 percent) than how to regularly save money (54 percent), how to budget money (49 percent) and how to pay bills (43 percent)." Basically, your parents want you to understand money but aren't giving you a real chance to learn about it. You should definitely be more involved, even if it's just by an occasional trip to the grocery store to see how much your fam's food costs.
• Omaha World-Herald has great advice that gives teens a little more control over what they're learning financially. "Give children the opportunity to make financial decisions with a little guidance at first, said Kay Kruger, a teacher at Gordon-Rushville High School." I love this because if you're earning money at a summer job or something, you should have a say in how you spend it. Not to mention, you're the one who's stuck penniless when the money's gone!
• The Statesman (in India! - even other country's are teaching their kids about cash) This article is all about pocket money and allowances and how much is enough. I'm fascinated that it's basically the same discussion as you would find in your hometown.
• The Akron Beacon Journal (Ohio) says to "involve your teenagers in devising a plan to save for their college fund." This is a good one because your parents probably talk to you so much about getting into a good college that you might as well look at not only what grades you have to have, but what kind of cash, when you're deciding where you really want to go. I mean, hey, you're involved in every other step of the college application process. Starting to create a financial plan should be part of it.

What's the best financial advice you're ever gotten? Are you good with money or does it burn holes in your pocket?

Prom on a Budget

The theme for my senior prom was "Angel." Now, I appreciate all the effort the senior class officers put into planning a great prom, but Angel? Really? If my date (and then boyfriend) would've called me angel I would've puked all over my burgundy dress.

It was based on that Sarah McLachlan song, appropriately titled Angel (duh) and we had it at the State Capitol building. It was a gorgeous setting, marble pillars and staircases, and the dance floor was under the rotunda. But I didn't appreciate my date reminding me that the capitol building wasn't at all earthquake proof. During the most romantic dance of the night, I was envisioning the rotunda collapsing on the entire senior class of Skyline High School in a pile of bricks.

Not to say I didn't have a good time. And I think the best part was that I went with a really fun guy and great group. We didn't spend a fortune - no limos - but did pool together money to rent out a small gym so after the dance we could play racketball and swim and run wild through the locker rooms. (Ok, our dates pooled the money together, but I happen to know it didn't cost them their arms and legs.)

We knew other kids who rented hot air balloons, reserved full movie theaters, and spent more money than I can imagine trying to make their proms a "night to remember." And really, I think it's a waste of perfectly good, hard-earned cash. Since when does prom night have to be "the best night of your life?" And why would anyone want to spend every penny in their bank account on one night? Especially when you read articles like this one about programs that help kids who's parents can't afford to hand over the credit card (note: mine probably could've, but definitely weren't willing to and they were smart not to). I love the idea that this program is helping girls who's parents are unemployed get prom dresses. Prom shouldn't be something that only "well off" people get to experience. 

So, I guess what I'm saying, is before you get caught up in the insanity that can be prom, think about all the other things you'd rather spend $200 on other than dinner for four at the fanciest restaurant you know. And remember that creativity is worth a lot more than a limo. The best dance I ever went to was in the fall and after we left the actual dance, we went laser-tagging. $10 a person for an hour of serious fun. (And a great way to flirt!) Now that's how prom should be. It doesn't take a ton of cash to have a good time.

The Secret Lives of Teenagers

Whenever I read a headline that says something like "The Secret Lives of Teenagers," I'm tempted to roll my eyes a little. Not because I don't think teenagers have secrets, but because usually a headline this is an attempt to dramatize the bad decisions of a few teenagers and makes parents panics that their totally normal teenager is on drugs or something like that. The truth is, most teenagers are pretty good kids and it drives me crazy how they can get a generalized bad rap in media.

Anyway, I was thinking all these things when I saw this article titled The Secret Lives of Teenagers (of course). But, I was happily surprised when I started reading it.

Even though the article starts off saying that communication is a problem between parents and teens (hello, that why I wrote my book!), it actually has some very promising and comforting stats.

A few highlights:

• The study shows that more than 70 per cent of teenagers think their parents accept them as they are, sense when they are upset, understand what they are going through, respect their feelings and trust their judgment. (That's a huge number! Way to go to all those parents who inspire that kind of trust from their teenagers.)
• Teenagers are not always likely to confide in parents, with only around 50 per cent saying they "almost always" or "often" talk with parents about troubles or difficulties. (The truth is, you don't have to confide everything in your parents. Yes, they need to know the basics, but sometimes it's ok to process things on your own before you talk to a friend or parent. And usually, after you've given yourself some time to think about things in your own mind, you can find your own solution. I would just say that when something dangerous or scary is happening, this is definitely a time to talk to your mom or dad.)

Really, teenagers today are smart, thoughtful, and generally have good heads on their shoulders. You guys pretty much rock. Now, if we can just spread the word to major media... (I'm working on it.)

Is this what your ride to school is like?

A friend at work sent me this video of commuters in Japan. She thought was hysterical but it made me start to sweat - literally. Can you imagine paying someone to shove you on to an already packed subway car or bus?

Apparently, in Japan there are "porters" that some business people will pay to help push them in to trains. Talk about personal space issues. It made me claustrophobic just watching this. Why would you even want to get on?

If New York ever gets even remotely close to this, I'm moving to Torrey, Utah.

Memorial Day Weekend means Summer is almost here!

Memorial Day weekend means that summer is literally days away. Even though the actual day off is a little earlier this year than most (I get the 26th off for work, not the 31st), summer is practically here.

And just like every other summer, Memorial Day gets me thinking about what I'm going to do with the good weather, long days, and laid back attitude. Here's what I'm thinking summer 2008 holds for me?

• My ten year high school reunion. Can you believe that I've been out of high school for ten years? It's kind of tripping me out. But I'm excited to see all my old friends and what everyone has been up to. (A lot of people I knew in high school have kids now!) Plus, there's definitely this thought that you have to show everyone how successful you are now. It's not just me, I swear. And really, it's so stupid, because aren't you supposed to be done caring what other people think once you're an official adult? Yes, you are, but I have to admit that I am eager to see what everyone has done with the last ten years. And I get to show off my super cute hubby (he's by far the best thing I've done with the last ten years).
• Hang out at the Shake Shack. Summer in New York means that the Shake Shack (a burger stand in the middle of Madison Square Park) is open for business. And since they serve my favorite burger in the city, I will definitely be having a few dinners there.
• Grant and I are also going to spend at least one weekend in Montauk. It's the town at the very tip of Long Island and has gorgeous beaches, the most relaxing vibe, and is so much more low key than the Hamptons. Montauk, here I come!
• In August, I'm going to do a big sleepover with B 98.7's "Todd & Erin Morning Show" in Salt Lake. They rent out the Sheraton hotel and get about 2,000 women to come hang out, get manicures, facials, shop, talk, and eat. Fun or what? And I get to be the guest author! I can't wait!

What about you? What are your summer plans? A cool summer job? A great vacation? Just kicking back and getting ready for next fall? Tell me what you're up to!

Behind the Scenes on Book Tour

I have settled back home after being out on the road for 2 weeks. It's great to be back home sleeping in my bed and waking up at a decent hour, but I kind of miss being out doing events and meeting people. So, I thought I would share some highlights from a few cities since things got so crazy I didn't have time to finish blogging about all the events.

SAN FRANCISCO (May 6, 2008)
I love San Francisco. It's one of those cities that has such amazing energy and a really good vibe.

The first stop was the book club at Capuchino High School in San Bruno, just a few minutes from the San Francisco airport. My mom and I couldn't find the actual entrance to the school (it's one of those great multi-level CA schools with tons of outdoor space) so we actually got there about 5 minutes late.

Lucky for me, the girls were really cool. We talked for over an hour about everything from dealing with parents when it comes to getting a summer job to what it's like to write a book. The teacher who runs the book club made homemade scones and hot chocolate and the event ended up being a super fun gab session. It was definitely one of the highlights from the road.

After book club, my mom and I went back to the hotel and completely crashed. We had to wake up at 3:00am in the morning in order to catch our 6:00am flight, so we were beat. But a few hours in bed with the blackout curtains drawn, and we were good as new.

Next stop was ABC-TV and their local show The View from the Bay. (See that white plastic bag in my hand? That was lunch - BLTs from the diner around the corner. Yum!) I was lucky and got to do a bunch of local TV shows while I was in different cities, but this one was a highlight. The hosts were really fun and real - I could tell they really wanted to have fun with the book but also get some useful info out there.

We wrapped up the day with a Mother-Daughter pizza party at Towne Center Books in Pleasanton. Pleasanton had one of the cutest main streets I've ever seen...little sandwich shops, boutiques, a nail salon and of course, what main street is complete with a book store? Towne Center Books is the heart of the town and I met so many cool teens and their moms. And Judy made homemade brownies which definitely hit the spot after a busy day!

Next stop...hot and sunny Phoenix.

 

My interview with the Seattle Post-Intelligencer

While I was on book tour, I got to speak to a bunch of high school and junior high students in all different cities about how to deal with their parents. Let me just say, these were by far the best events I did. The teenagers had the best questions and we had really good talks. They basically became like chat sessions instead of lectures. (Which is by far how I prefer them. Who wants to just sit and listen to some random person talk for an hour?)

At one school just outside of Seattle, a reporter and photographer came with me and took pictures while I talked. I'm usually pretty calm under pressure, but seriously, having a reporter take your picture while you're speaking is so nerve-wracking! Anyway, the article turned out great - it ran last Friday in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

One quick story, I actually drove out to the event with the reporter, a super nice guy named Paul Nyhan. (He really is one of the most genuinely nice reporters I've ever met.) He wanted us to have time to talk before I actually started speaking at the school, because I wasn't going to be able to answer his questions then, you know? So, anyway, he picked me up at my hotel and we started driving. But after 3 minutes in the car, he turned to me and said, "Do you want to drive?"

I need to explain a little something here. I am an excellent driver. Really, only one accident in 13 years of having my license. But...that being said, I don't have a car. I live in New York City and we don't drive anywhere. So it's been years since I've driven a lot. I only drive when we go on vacation and even then, Grant usually drives. (I prefer to sit shotgun and rule the radio.)

So, when Paul asked me to drive I started to laugh a little. I thought he was kidding. He wasn't. He needed to take notes, he said, and couldn't do it while he was driving. And then he pulled over so we could trade spots!

I thought I might start to hyperventilate. Not only was I going to drive a reporter (who was in the process of interviewing me) but I was going to drive HIS car in a city I wasn't that familiar with. Waaaaa! I tried to keep my cool. I put my seatbelt on, adjusted the mirror and went for it. And you know what, it all turned out ok. We got to the school in one piece. But I swear, when we finally parked, it was like I could breathe again. Thank goodness I didn't wreck his car!!

Random Articles Found by my Husband, Grant

One of my favorite things about my husband is the fact that he can find anything online. And I mean anything. Like the time he saw Cinderella Man and within 20 minutes of getting home, had researched the complete history of the guy Russell Crowe's character is based on. And the best part is that after he finds this stuff, he remembers it. He's a walking encyclopedia of random information.

I find all sorts of quizzical iTunes podcasts and songs by artists barely anyone has ever heard of on our computer every day. And sometimes he saves articles he thinks are particularly bizzare in our browser's bookmarks. I just found this one about the 9 things that might kill you (if they actually exist) yesterday and it's one my favorites. The Mongolian Death Worm? If that's not enough to keep you awake at night, I don't know what is. But don't thank me, thank Grant!

Fingernails as Fashion

There's a Banana Republic about 2 blocks away from my office and I walk by it every night on my way home. I wish there was a flashing red sign outside the door that said "Danger, danger" everytime I got close. I think they have such cute stuff.

So recently, when I stopped in after work (just to look, I swear!) I saw this girl behind the counter with these unbelievably long, totally designed fake nails. I was fascinated. She had to use her knuckles to enter numbers on the register and basically had to use the palms of both hands to pick up the phone. But she had it down to a science and was managing to answer the phone and ring someone up at the same time. I was so impressed I asked if I could photograph her nails. I had to give this girl credit--I, for one, could never manage nails like that. I am constantly fiddling with my hands and those fake nails would be off by the end of one phone call with my friend Kathy. 

But maybe I'm the only one who can't manage these new-fangled fingers. After I saw the girl in the store, I found this video of an actual Fingernail Fashion Competition in Japan that is basically like a fashion show/miss america for fingernails. (Could I make this up?) Even after watching I think the most you'll see me in is bright pink for summer.

One Pose Per Second. How many can you come up with?

I love super-creative YouTube videos and this one, featuring writer/performance artist Miranda July, is bizarrely captivating. (A lot of people have a love-hate relationship with Miranda July but after this video I'm more inclined to love.) She moves her body, doing a pose a second, to a new Blonde Redhead song. But the best part is the mock video someone made with a kitty cat doing a sort-of pose a second.

I figure that if Ms. July is really posing once per second, then she poses a total of 212 times for the entire song. But I don't have the patience to actually count. If you do, let me know!

Ask Sarah B - You Ask, I Answer - Questions from Real Teenagers

Here's your weekly Ask Sarah B sesh. Remember if you want to ask a question and get some advice, you can email me at: AskSarahB@gmail.com

Question:
My best friend broke up with her boyfriend a few weeks ago and he just asked our other friend to go out with him. And our other friend said yes! So my one friend is all upset that she's betraying her friendship and the other friend says she really likes the guy but how can she if he was with our other friend for so long? I'm stuck in the middle and I don't want to pick sides. What should I do?

- Mia

Sarah Says:
Dear Mia,
Feeling stuck in the middle of two friends is a terrible feeling - especially because you care about both friends and it's hard to see them fight. Not wanting to pick sides is definitely the right way to go - this is a problem between your two friends and doesn't involve you. You're smart to stay out of it.

That being said, both friends might be trying to drag you into it by talking about the other friend behind her back or asking you to be the go-between. Try to avoid any gossiping and if you get stuck in a situation where you feel like you're getting pulled into it, stop the conversation. You can do this by saying something flat out, like, "I don't know - I don't want to get in the middle," or you can divert the conversation by sending a text to another friend about something totally different or suggesting that the two of you go do something like see a movie. Sometimes a diversion is the best tactic because it changes the direction of the conversation completely.

I can tell you're a good friend just by your email. I know it's hard when friendships go through rough times but you can do it. If one of your friend's pushes you to side against the other, remind her that you're there for her, but that you can be a good friend to both of them.

Good luck!

xoxo
Sarah B

**Note: the names of all teenagers in the "Ask Sarah B" section have been changed to protect individual's privacy

Internet Voting for...Haircuts?

When I was in high school my dad said to me (more than once), "If everyone else jumped off a cliff would you jump off, too?"

Aside from the fact that this is a total cliche, it's not a very good way to demonstrate peer pressure. At least I don't think so. Would I jump off a cliff? No. Get my belly button pierced? Maybe. I was (and still am) enough of my own person to decide what I wanted to do, whether or not someone else was doing it. (Don't worry, Dad - I'm as stubborn as ever!)

Anyway, I was taken back to those conversations with my Dad when I read this story about a beauty blogger who really did do what everyone told her to. She asked everyone on her blog whether or not she should cut bangs - they voted yes - and she's going to do it.

Now, I personally think she'll look cute with bangs, but I don't think I'd ever let total strangers decide something like that for me. Unless I really didn't care one way or the other. What about you? Would you let people vote, American Idol-style, on something in your life?

Mother's Day is Tomorrow

Don't forget to thank your mom tomorrow for all the things she does for you, like:

• Giving birth to you (this one is major)
• All the times she's made your lunch (peanut butter and jelly always tastes better when she makes it)
• Those early mornings she dropped you off at school because you didn't want to ride the bus
• The time she left a major meeting at work to make it to your semi-final soccer game (she probably didn't tell you she left the meeting, but chances are it happened)
• How she always gives up her cell minutes on the family plan because you're about to go over
• How, even when you're in a really bad mood, she still loves you

Don't worry about getting some expensive gift or lotion for mom. The truth is, even though she could always use a little more lotion, she didn't become a mom to get a paycheck. She just wants to hear that you love and appreciate her. So get a card, write it all down, and tomorrow morning give her a big hug. She deserves it.

Be sure to check out some more Mother's Day advice in my interview with the Los Angeles Times education writer (article to come) but here's a blog entry from our interview yesterday.

Indiana Jones Makes for a Great Date

When I was in high school, I figured out that the Indiana Jones movies were the perfect date movies. They weren't too over-the-top macho but guys still liked them, and they were interesting enough to keep me tuned in, even after watching them a few times. (i.e. reruns with various dates. I tried this on quite a few guys.)

So, you can imagine how stoked (remember how I'm bringing that word back?) I am for the new Indiana Jones movie. I'm going to drag Grant to it opening night!

It's just starting to get press. Entertainment Weekly had a Q&A with Harrison Ford and The Arizona Republic had this article about "the good old days" when Indy was fresh and new. I think Harrison Ford is still going to make a pretty good Indiana Jones. It wouldn't be the same without him.

Anyway, before the new one comes out, put my date theory to the test and rent the first three with your crush. Make some popcorn, get some diet coke (my soda of choice) and see if you don't both have a good time.

What I'm Reading While on Book Tour

I've been spending a lot of time on planes over the last two weeks - which means I've been taking a lot of catnaps and reading. What, you might ask, does an author read while on book tour? The answer is this: just about everything. But here's what I've been devouring...

Chalked Up by Jennifer Sey - I've had a chance to work with this author (for the record, she's amazing) and I love, love, love her book. I never even did gymnastics and I was riveted by the behind-the-scenes stories of semi-abusive coaching and over-zealous parents. This is a must read.

The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox - this is one that I'm reading for my book club. It's a really intense mystery and I'm only half way through so I'm dying to get to the end!

How to Be Popular by Meg Cabot Oh, Meg Cabot, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Loving this book and I love this author. Can't say enough good things about her.

On the Road Again

It's sunny in Seattle and I feel so lucky. I lived in Bellevue growing up (the city right across the bridge from Seattle) and it's not sunny very often. I think the book tour gods are being nice to me.

Yesterday was a blast with 2 events in the Seattle area. The first was at Fort Lewis - an army base about 45 minutes from the airport. And it was incredible. I got to meet parents and teenagers who are sacrificing so much to help our country. There were 2 cute soldiers who had 12 year old daughters that stopped by to get books and I even had a few moms get books for their sons. (I told them to apologize for me that the cover is pink but that the info would definitely be helpful!) The base itself was amazing - basically a huge city. I actually had quite an experience getting on. My mom and I drove to the wrong entrance and the guards wouldn't let us in (of course) and then I went the wrong way trying to turn around and the guard starting hollering at us (by this time he had our IDs). Anyway, we finally got to the right entrance and met the event coordinators (Sheree and Mandy) who were so wonderful. The whole thing was a blast!

Next on the agenda was a Borders bookstore in Redmond. We drove straight there from the base and I was a little worried we wouldn't have a soul at the event. But I was wrong. Not only were there some cool moms and teens that I had never met before, but my fourth grade teacher showed up! She was one of my absolute favorite teachers growing up - I learned my times tables and most of my vocabulary from her. It was really touching to have her there. My friend Kayte Gyles and her parents were also there--they were in town running some errands and they made time to come by! It was great to see them. Then, mid-event (I usually say a few words at the beginning and then sign), all of these people from my childhood started showing up. It was unreal - old friends of my parents, old friends of mine. I have never felt so loved and so appreciative to have such amazing people in my life. It was a wonderful event. I think most of all because I realized how lucky I am to know so many incredible people. They've really made me who I am (well, the good parts anyway) and it was beyond great to have a few hours with them.

One more day in Seattle and then on to San Francisco and Phoenix!

The Alterna-Kid according to the Boston Globe

In my book How to Raise Your Parents, the first chapter features parent profiles. You know, The Hippie, The Teen Wannabe, The Sibling Activist, and so on. The idea is that you have to figure out what kind of parent you have before you can start raising them.

So, I thought it was really funny when I found this Boston Globe article that profiles different kinds of kids. They have The Sporty Kid and The Fantasy Kid and most of them are about elementary school kids. But one, The Alterna-Kid, is about teenagers.

The writer, who apparently has at least one teenager, describes this "fringe-dwelling" teenager who hates the Gap. Maybe I should create a list of teen profiles. What kind of teen are you?

Book Tour Buzz

I'm out on the road, in Salt Lake City right now, and I leave for Seattle early tomorrow morning. It's been a total whirlwind so far and I'm loving every second of it.

My first tour event was in Dayton, Ohio, at Books & Co. - a famously rocking bookstore for hosting great events and selling a TON of books! I know the event coordinator, the talented Sharon Kelly Roth, and it was really fun to hang out with her for a few minutes before the event started. Once I got to the event space, I was happy to see the three people who came to hear me talk. (I know what you're thinking - three people? - but as a new author in a town where you don't know a soul - three is totally thrilling.) The three women were awesome and the event ended up being a girls night out style chat with everyone talking about being a teenager or having teenagers. I just wish I would've brought some refreshments and my pillow!

Next stop - Salt Lake City - my old high school stomping ground and where my family lives now. I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when my plane landed on Thursday morning. There really is no place like home. I didn't spend much time actually at home though. Thursday night was a great event at The King's English - a really amazing indy bookstore - one of the top in the country. Not only did I get to see old friends and meet some new ones, I also met a teen book blogger I've been emailing with - the girl behind Squeaky Books! She was so sweet to come all the way to the event and I loved meeting her. You know, that's my favorite part of the tour so far - meeting cool teenagers and parents and other writers. I feel super lucky.

I finished the week off with some local media (Good Things Utah on ABC-TV, The Todd & Erin Show on B98.7, KCPW's Midday Metro, and a few other hits) and a great event at the Salt Lake City library in Millcreek. (That event was super fun - I LOVE libraries and librarians. I think I might be a librarian in my next life.)

Tomorrow I head to Seattle and I'll be posting a few pics of those events later this week, along with pics from my stops in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Hope to see you there!

Teens Help City Council Plan a City's Future

If you've ever wondered whether you can really make a difference in the world, here's your answer...YOU CAN!

I just read this article about a city in Illinois (Peoria) that had teenagers help the city council decide what changes and plans they should make. The planning commissioner told the high school students, "It's going to be your city 20 years from now."

So, a group of local high school kids met with the city council and voiced their opinions on everything from parks and safety to teen night clubs. They're even creating a city Facebook page. (How funny is it that some of the adults didn't even know what Facebook is? They're lucky to have these teens helping!)

If you had the chance to talk to your city council what would you tell them? What would you change?

Should 16 year-olds get the Right to Vote?

I've always thought that if teenagers can drive a car when they're 16, they definitely should have the right to voice their opinion when it comes to government. So, when I read this op-ed piece arguing that teenagers should be heading to the ballot box, I was pretty much on board.

I especially love how this writer creates some basic framework so that teenagers would have to get educated about politics before just casting a random vote. It makes complete sense to me. Here's what she says: "16-year-olds who want to start voting should be able to obtain an “early voting permit” from their high schools upon passing a simple civics course similar to the citizenship test. Besides increasing voter registration, this system would reinforce the notion of voting as a privilege and duty as well as a right — without imposing any across-the-board literacy tests for those over 18."

I turned 18 my senior year of high school and got to vote in a local election. I read about the candidates and issues (many of which would directly impact me since they were about local roads and zoning for stores, etc.) and talked out my thoughts with my parents. When I got to the voting station and handed over my ID, I had this feeling like, "Wow. I'm really an adult." It was incredibly empowering.

There's so much passion and dedication among teenagers. I really think it would only be a good thing if 16-year-olds got to voice their opinions through voting. Sure, there are a lot of issues that teens might not understand, but honestly, there are a lot of issues in the campaigns that I don't understand and I read the newspaper and watch the news everyday. Am I that different from the rest of the country? You just do your best to wade through it and make the best decision. Teens are definitely up for that.

Agree? Disagree? Have you already voted or is this your first election? Let me know!