We are expected to grow up,
Set good examples,
Make life changing decisions.

But how are we supposed to grow up
When we’re still sitting in a class room for hours a day?
Being treated as if we are children,
Who cannot yet think for themselves?

How are we supposed to grow up
When we’re still being sent home because our clothing is “too distracting”
And “too disrupting” to other student’s education?
Clearly changing their clothes is more important,
Than getting their own education.

How are we supposed to grow up
When we still only have four minutes to get from place to place?
We are always hurrying
But still hear the tardy bell ring, like the first sign of our punishment.

We have to raise our hands to speak our opinions.
We can’t go to the restroom without teacher approval.
We are told to sit and listen
Like a puppy, begging for a treat.

Teachers expect us
To think outside the box
To be original
To put our efforts into what we do
Yet we get points taken off when it isn’t what the teacher is looking for.

We’re being handed note packets,
instead of being taught.
We’re told to memorize the information,
instead of understand it.
We’re seniors in high school,
and we have yet to be truly engaged in a class.

Adults say we are the lazy, obnoxious, failing generation
But they are the ones teaching us.