Generation Me By Julia O'Gallagher

Let's face it, our generation is way more selfish than the one before us. What happened to spending time with family and taking pictures just for souvenirs? 30 years ago the concept of a selfie didn't exist, today that's all we hear about. Some of the products we use these days seem to suggest being self-centered. Being self-centered doesn't lead anywhere, it only shuts you out from reality.

You might think I'm crazy for saying this but, kids these days have it made. Teenagers especially, are often way too caught up in there own lives to care about others and what goes on around them. You'll notice that lots of people our age don't pay attention to what goes on around them. They're too busy updating their Facebook status or checking how many likes their picture got on Instagram. The most common devices around us also seem to have an effect on us: iPods, iPads, iPhones, etc. The name says it all. Even songs we listen to have lyrics are less and less inclusive. They have been studied and they contain more "I" and "me" in them than "you" and "us". If these facts don't say selfish, what does?

The next thing I want to talk about is our generation's attitude towards others. We don't say thank you to bus drivers, cashiers or teachers. We don't hold the door for the person behind us and we act without thinking about how it will affect others. I have seen this so many times since I have been at school: "But, I have the right to do this" students say this all the time to teachers or other adults when they get in trouble. You might have the right to do something stupid but, you really don't have to. Not saying "thank you" can make you look too self-centered to care anything or anyone besides yourself. Not holding the door for the next person can also give people around you the feeling that you don't care. What do you do? Do you ignore others or do you thank them for what they have done for you?

To finish off, our generation is selfish, rude and can be ungrateful. Instead of the "I" in iPod, why not use "we"? All I want to say is to take off your earphones and look up from your phones. Share a smile and say "thanks". Just that could make someone's day.

Follow My Advice: VAD

Throughout our lives we've been with people who gave us all sorts of advice; telling us this would change our lives for the best. Some were wiseful advice and others a bit more random. Sadly, most of them get lost and mixed in a sea of memories. For me, only one of them stayed in my head. First of all, I thought it was funny but, slowly realized it was more than words; it was a saying that would change my life. The meaning of this advice stuck to my head: do what is best in the end. As vulgar as it may sound, it stayed anchored in my head since the day I've heared it from my previous basketball coach Anthony, "Don't s**t on your own doorstep".

You must be thinking I'm joking and that this is only a blog to make my class laugh. In reality, there is a wise meaning behind those words. Why create obstacles when you can avoid them? In the long run, will the choices you make be beneficicial or harmful? Most people think about this moment, without thinking about the repercussions. Y.O.L.O they claim, but often end up dropping out since their ideology doesn't change. Sometimes the choices are so small but can make such a big difference. Listening in class can change your whole future. As stupid can it sound, listening in class can also affect your future career choices. Dosen't it make sense? What you learn affects your grades, and grades are what cegeps and universities look at for the programs. If you have bad grades you won't be accepted in the program you'd like to be in and end up having to make a plan b.
 

Everyone should make decisions for themselves that would help them in the future. "Ne te met pas de baton dans les roues", meaning you shouldn't harm your way to sucess. As hard as it can be, long-term is much more important. Now tell me, what is the best advice you've gotten?

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