Making your way in the world today sometimes really does take everything you’ve got and for no one is that more true than it is for teenagers. They are caught in the crossroads of adolescence and adulthood; not yet adults and no longer children.

Teens are expected to act responsibly and make sound decisions, yet most of the adults in their lives treat them as if they are incapable of doing either.

Teens must navigate through the landmines of school, relationships, drugs, alcohol, dating, self-image, technology, sometimes divorce, and, occasionally, abuse, all the while keeping their eyes on the future of becoming adults while still clinging to the fragments of their childhood.

Adolescents are known to be moody, insecure, argumentative, and have odd sleeping patterns and awkward growth spurts. Though dramatic hormonal changes can be blamed for some of the inconsistent behavior, that is not the only factor. Researchers have discovered that the brain undergoes significant changes during adolescence.

According to www.newscientist.com teen brains really are unique. “Though many brain areas mature during childhood, others mature later, such as the frontal and parietal lobes, responsible for planning and self-control.”

Ted Moccia, principal of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and an educator for 28 years, and Shawn Lambert, director of Oxford Hills Technical School and an educator for 17 years, feel that in spite of the physical and brain chemistry changes that teens are going through they are a very positive asset to society.

“Our kids are great,” said Moccia. “There is a big misconception that they don’t care when in fact they care deeply.”

“They are hard working good kids,” Lambert agreed regarding the student body of 1,100 kids. “They’re thinking about who they are in a rapidly changing world and following their passion.”

Both educators agree that there is a preconceived notion by adults that people should be leery of teens.

Andrew Hatch, age 14 and a freshman at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High school, echoed this sentiment. “The worst part about being a teenager is that adults don’t trust you.”

“For me,” said Hatch’s sister Samantha, age 16 and a junior at the same school, “the worst part of being a teenager is not having enough time.” Andrew and Samantha, the children of Rich and Jane Hatch of Hebron, both lead very active lives.

Andrew is involved in football, alpine skiing, band, 4-H and Boy Scouts and Samantha participates in soccer, alpine skiing, soft ball, orchestra, jazz band, Key Club, 4-H, Girl Scouts and was a 2009 delegate to the National Guard Youth Conference.

When not participating in school and other activities, the Hatch kids have homework, chores, and try to fit in a social life. Andrew does not currently have a girlfriend, but Samantha does date when she can fit it in. And, when time allows, the family plays board and computer games together and they are all involved with their church.

“It’s hard raising teenagers,” said Jane Hatch, “but I think the hard work is worth it and that my kids are well rounded and well-grounded. I think they are typical teenagers.” The Hatches have some experience, having raised two older children, Jennifer Dowling, 23, and Chris Dowling, 20.

Andrew and Samantha both have cell phones and are computer savvy as are most of their peers.

“I think the technology of today is good,” said Principal Moccia. “The kids have tremendous connectivity, greater resources and are more confident than teens of a few years ago. You just can’t pigeon-hole the kids, no matter what their background, they really can be anything they set their minds to.”

Perhaps Lambert sums it up best, “Every kid is different and no student should be sold short because every single one of them has something to offer.”

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