Caitlynn Kindall

Friends, prom, football games, homecoming week and many other things all contribute to what is known as The High School Experience. "Get Involved" -- we hear it all the time and for some this contributes to a memorable time at this period of life.

However, during high school reality is that the social aspects aren't everything that is going on in our lives. We also have seemingly endless amounts of homework, tests, jobs and other responsibilities. Finding balance is something that can be hard to do.

Teenagers are notorious for not being able to handle money.

Teenagers live in a fantasy world where, for the most part, everything is handed to them. The majority of teens don't have to pay for their shelter, food or other basic needs. So the money that teenagers do have can be spent on just about anything, whether it is practical and needed or not.

For adults, this is concerning because as teenagers we are the future of our country. Once we exit this fantasy world we will enter the harsh conditions of reality where money is a necessity just to be alive, let alone to enjoy yourself.

It is important to start being conscious of our spending habits and money now so that when we are older we will have already developed good habits.

How would you like to have a free supply of health and beauty items that is large enough to last you for years on end and occasionally even be paid to take it out of the store?

While your average teenager was out swimming, hiking and enjoying other festivities associated with summer, I was working on my summer job -- couponing.

For 16 years the main focus of all our existence is based upon one seemingly magical number in which a teenager believes the world will instantly become simpler -- no longer having to rely on others for rides and finally having a taste of freedom.

With seat belts buckled and car keys in hand, the awaited age of 16 and getting a driver's license is the focus of all teenagers alike. But this glamorized coming of age, although exciting, has more to the story than simply being allowed a license.

We live in a society surrounded by images of female bodies used to sell everything from fast food to cars. With all these images surrounding us teen girls, imposing standards of beauty, there is reason for concern.

According to the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, 7 in 10 girls believe they are not good enough in some way, one of every four college-age women has used unhealthy methods of weight control, and 35 percent of girls ages 6 to 12 have been on at least one diet.