Adolescent Case Studies: Responses Essay (Critical Writing)

From Mark’s perspective, his interaction with his parents revolves around carping at him for eating too much, for not exercising, and for not thinking about his future. Mark is not ready for all of this pressure. He wishes they could understand his perspective. After a particularly lengthy lecture, Mark becomes petulant, stomping around the house and slamming doors. Then he ignores his school responsibilities entirely, flunking tests and buying even bigger fast-food treats than usual. Fortunately he enjoys computer games and mythology. The heroes have interesting adventures, help the unfortunates, and have a good time while they are doing it. Mark believes that life depends on big doses of surrealism.

Because she can sing just about anything, she is in classical music competitions and sometimes performs with a local band. Carol was good at music too, but didn’t get the support she needed to become a professional musician. Carol has done a lot to make sure that Cindy has a choice when it is time to decide about a career. She has paid for Cindy’s music lessons, sat with her during practices, and encouraged her at every step. Carol also created special opportunities for Cindy to work with well-known musicians by volunteering with the local art council to run workshops for students led by nationally known performers. Cindy willingly has taken advantage of every opportunity. She truly is an example of the apple that did not fall far from the tree.

Caroline has noticed, however, that Bob has become less talkative, calls less often, and they have had sex less often. Their friends at school think everything is great between them, and of course she is always available for school dances or parties with them. Nobody else seems to have noticed that Bob has started spending more time with some guys she and their mutual friends hardly know. Bob never introduces her to them when they run into each other by chance. He even seems a little embarrassed about her. Caroline is very concerned about their relationship becoming less solid and wonders about the importance of the relationship with these guys.

In addition to that, he knows it isn’t healthy to drink after extensive workouts or games. It is even more dangerous for his friends, and anyone else on the road, if they drink and drive. He could go into the liquor store and not be so convincing, but that would solve only part of the problem. He must think of some strategy to convince them that they should stay sober. Maybe he could get his parents and the coach to foot the bill for a pro ball player to come and give everyone a motivational “be smart” lecture. He’ll try that approach first.