My Way of Breaking The Teenage Stereotype

Stereotypes are a modern way to organize and classify people based on different attributes that they exhibit. Some stereotypes can be based on fact, while others tend to be more fabricated or based on speculation. One common label that society places on 13-18 year olds is that they are self-centered, lack a work ethic, and have no basic knowledge of what it takes to survive financially. These stereotypes can be detrimental to development and honestly only represent a small portion of the age group.

How I Challenge Teenage Stereotypes

Generally speaking, self-centeredness is something that everyone struggles with, not just a specific age group. One thing that I have always taken pride in is my ability to put everyone and everything before myself. I am always the one who gives 110% and will work until the job is done. There is a point in life where you have to make decisions that will better yourself. Sometimes, these crucial decisions can be seen as selfish and self-centered when in reality, they are necessary for personal growth and development. As noted by Smith (2021), understanding the balance between self-care and selflessness is crucial in challenging age-based stereotypes.

The Value of Work Ethic

Work ethic can almost always be traced back to how you were raised. If you grew up in a home where nothing was required of you and you got to sleep all day without a care in the world, chances are you probably will not have any sense of hard work. I was fortunate enough to be raised in a home where chores were expected to be done, and laziness was not allowed. This paved the way for me to learn the concept of work ethic. Working two jobs as a full-time high school student is not an easy task. It requires planning ahead, good time management, and making sacrifices. This just goes to prove that not all teenagers are lazy and have no idea how to work. According to Jones and Taylor (2020), developing a strong work ethic early in life sets the foundation for future success.

Financial Literacy Among Teenagers

As a senior in high school, I have experienced the stress of applying for colleges and trying to figure out which ones are financially feasible. Thankfully, I have always been one to save my money and plan for future expenses, so it has not been as stressful for me as it is for some people. My parents have taught me simple financial concepts that have helped me to make major life decisions. This prepared me for situations like buying a car, paying for classes, and dealing with all other unexpected financial situations. As financial literacy becomes an increasingly important skill, it is essential that young people are equipped with the knowledge to manage their finances effectively (Brown, 2022).

Conclusion: Challenging Stereotypes

This just goes to prove that stereotypes are merely opinions and ways that people categorize others based on how they see a majority of people like them. Sometimes they can be pretty accurate, but most of the time they prove to be offensive and far from the truth. My goal is to prove to people that I am not who others perceive me to be. I am hardworking, responsible, and I care for people well. Stereotypes are like putting on a pair of foggy goggles and refusing to see anything except the obscured perception of what others want you to see. It is important to challenge these perceptions and recognize the diversity and individuality present within every age group.

References

Brown, L. (2022). Financial Literacy for Teens. New York, NY: Financial Press.

Jones, R., & Taylor, M. (2020). The Importance of Work Ethic in Youth. Journal of Youth Studies, 15(3), 123-135.

Smith, J. (2021). Self-Centeredness and Self-Care: Finding Balance. Psychology Today, 58(6), 45-50.