When my friends and I discuss politics and the news, the common response, "I could care less about politics." Maybe my friends have a point. We’re only in high school; some of us can’t vote, drive a car, serve our country in the military, or even get a job. Music, school, video games these are the items on our minds. But the truth is, our generation does matter. Believe it or not, we’ll be an adult in a few short years.

What really matters in life? I would say that freedom alone keeps one’s spirit alive. Because we live in a country that’s free, we can aspire to fulfill our dreams and make a positive impact. But freedom has a price. No, it’s not a tax; it’s courageously fought for by our military men and women who risk and even give their lives for this cause. Not only do they fight for our country’s freedom, but other countries’ freedoms as well.

Do you want to lose this freedom? Freedom to go to church with your family; freedom to voice your opinions about what you like and dislike; freedom to live anywhere as you please; freedom to protect your family? Our freedom can easily be taken away.

We must pay attention as to how our government respects the Constitution which lays down the foundations for our country stressing our freedoms that cannot and must not be taken away. We teens do matter. Yes, we’re not adults yet, but we can make a difference! American culture has deemed youth as not quite full citizens. This is far from the truth! Youth who are engaged in their community now will be engaged as an adult. To develop a responsible citizenship, we should get our youth engaged in democracy by identifying issues that important to the community by participation and activism. The civic engagement of youth in our society will produce the leaders of tomorrow.

Participation in groups like youth-led Community Forums sponsored by 4-H, Toastmasters International, and teen group ministries at local churches provide my generation with the invaluable springboards for effective communication and leadership. There is a ripple effect; when you get involved, others will too.

You should actually read the Constitution and understand what the founding forefathers intended for America. The great forefathers purposed in their hearts to include that we should find "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." With the Constitution defining what is right and wrong, we can determine what decisions emulate the Constitution.

Register to vote when you turn eighteen. Voting is such a powerful tool provided by our representative democracy. Voting allows us to change the things we don’t like, keep the things that we like, and also permits our voice to be heard.

Consider serving your country in the military, National Guard, or the Reserves after you graduate. In doing so, you will become an integral part in preserving our nation’s freedom.

Show support for our soldiers for what they do, no matter what you think of the war. Our support and patriotism gives our soldiers a great sense of morale. When our nation’s patriotism is at a high, it unites us. United we stand, divided we fall. It’s important to pray for our soldiers as well.

Become involved in the democratic process. Inform potential voters where the candidates stand on issues. My generation can help out on the campaign trail by answering phone calls, handing out voting literature, and putting up signs in the community.

If we become active in the American dream now, we secure a bright future for America. One from my generation might say, "But I’m too young." Thomas Edison became a manager of a telegraph office at the age of fifteen. Robert Jarvik, inventor of the artificial heart, devised his first invention, the surgical stapler at the age of seventeen. Albert Einstein began to formulate his theory of relativity at the age of seventeen. No one would ever have imagined in their time that these people, who we know to be famous, would be such and important part of American history. Or consider Jack Lucas, a WWII veteran, who was the youngest soldier to receive the Medal of Honor at the age of seventeen after using his body to shield three of his fellow soldiers from a grenade which nearly killed him in Iwo Jima. Ingenuity, heroism, and patriotism are a mix that makes a nation unshakeable from its strong foundations in the belief of a greater purpose to serve our God.

Realize that we are American. America was a dream made into reality produced by our forefathers. Be proud of our heritage and share it with others. A favorite song of mine best sums it up: "To live the way that you believe, this is your opportunity, to let your live be one that lights the way."

So my friends, focus your attention on what really matters.