Did a morning opinion writing stint, with Michael Patrick, managing editor of the Coeur d'Alene Press, at North Idaho College for the High School Journalism Workshop.

The students, who came from schools throughout the Northwest, wrote some short essays on what adults don't know about teens.

Some excerpts:

Adults have no clue what goes on in the teenage life these days. They believe that teens are going off and doing stupid things like drug, sex and alcohol. But did they ever wonder why? Teens actually have hard lives.

It's obvious that with age comes wisdom and yes, experience, but we kids know a thing or two also! We're the ones studying for our SATS and competing for summer jobs trying to get started on our future. Really parents, take it from me. Geometry and fast-food occupations aren't as easy as you think!

Teenagers today are stereotyped as rude, moody, emotional basket cases that care for nothing but themselves. Not all teens are like this.

Things that adults have no idea about -- technology -- they think they can't outsmart our tech savvy generation. Most teenagers grew up with a TV and computer, where most parents didn't. Kids today can simply look at a computer, hit a few buttons, and make it take over the world, where parents just sit in awe.

Thanks to the students. They were great. We hope to see some of their comments here, too!

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