What characteristics presented or discussed in your thread are observable in your age group?

Identity cohesion vs Role confusion

- One of the most prevalent characteristics in our age group stems from the psychosocial
stage: identity cohesion vs Role Confusion. The majority of the students in my thread
have not admitted it, but there is a large amount of self-consciousness towards their
desired image that they want to project toward their peers. The notion of being socially
accepted and complimented on their appearance, demeanor, and social activities revolves
around freshmen students. Beyond self-image consciousness, college students often
reflect and ponder on the merits and advantages of the college course they have chosen.
A prime example of identity cohesion and role confusion that is prevalent among college
students is the confidence to graduate in their first choice field of study vs the uncertainty
one has with their course. Students in coveted fields of study usually finish college within
the 4-year timeline a student usually sets for themselves, while there are also students
who have shifted courses mid-college careers to pursue a different field.

What Characteristics do you think are not observable at all and why not?

Industriousness vs Inferiority

Based on observation, there is a lack of praise for good academic habits nor any
inferiority complex for poor study ethics. I cannot speak for the general population of
students, but the absence of academic industriousness and inferiority is a reality in our
classroom, especially for general education subjects. These traits are usually shown in the
lack of effort in reporting, the lack of proactively showing any examples or reflection
based on the assigned material, and so on. The “vibe” everyone wants to show is being
laidback, without the need to show that they’re trying too hard due to the stigma of being
labeled as nerdy or uppity. There is also insecurity about their knowledge of the
material’s background. It’s sad to say there is a lack of initiative to exert any effort
academically based on these attributes

What do you think are the significant issues faced by adolescents?

Role Confusion

Based on observation, adolescents and young adults in college are usually faced with the
dilemma of choosing the best course for them. College students are often faced with the
internal dilemmas of choosing the right course for them and whether or not they should
choose to pursue this field of study. I have met professors and students who have shared
their stories about dropping out to pursue another degree because they felt that they had
chosen the wrong degree. A professor I had in fine arts told me her story about dropping
out of Medical School after three years and decided to pursue a degree in fine arts
because she felt miserable. A batchmate I met in the unofficial smoking area of FEUtold
 me that they had dropped out of their fine arts degree to pursue a degree in tourism
because he saw more opportunities for employment in tourism. The insecurity about
one’s degree and finding success with it is an issue that plagues many 3rd and 4th year
students.

How should the issues be addressed?

One idea that comes to my mind is implementing an efficient guidance counseling program in senior
highschool around the country that thoroughly assesses a senior high graduate’s aptitude for his desired
field through assessment interviews with a trained counselor. Making decisions on your own can be
stressful, so an interview with a trained career advisor would help students make a career deciding
decision with confidence. Offering a list of employment opportunities along with career alternatives with
their desired course in mind could give undecided students an idea of what to pursue in college if they are
unsure what their program offers. In my opinion, this would lead to fewer students switching courses
mid-year or in their last year. Not only could this help students with their career decisions, but it could
also ease the social anxiety of pursuing academic timelines students have.

How would you define a 21st-century adolescent?

My definition of a 21st-century adolescent is a person who lives in a society where opportunities surround
the social environment. Despite the overwhelming decisions we make and the expectations our current
society has on the youth, we are free to pursue any interest or degree without persecution. An idealized
version of a 21st-century adolescent is, in every sense of the word, free. We are living in a liberal
environment of social relationships where everyone has an entitlement to their identity and we have the
freedom to voice our minds to the public without fear of judicial retribution. This in turn has made us
free-thinkers, visionaries, and pioneers of newfound concepts and ideas for social structure. 21st-century
adolescents not only have the tools to conveniently connect with the world but have the mindset to voice
opinions to change the world and all of its harsh realities.