Weren’t Scientists Once Teenagers?

Teenagers have always been described as impulsive, irresponsible, immature and difficult (‘The Latest Assault on Teens: It’s Their Brains,’ Opinion, Feb. 17). Yet one shouldn’t be too quick in generalizing about teenagers. As an 18-year-old freshman college student, I feel that teenagers can sometimes show more responsibility and maturity than many adults. It’s difficult being a full-time student and juggling a part-time job while also confronting day-to-day responsibilities at home, but this only demonstrates the enormous amount of discipline and maturity that many teenagers have. Instead of wasting valuable time attacking teenagers, scientists should spend more time investigating more important issues and just allow teenagers to live their lives; after all, everyone, including teenagers and adults, grows with experience.

Alondra Hernandez

Los Angeles