Sometimes my generation irritates me.

I wonder about my peers at times. I sit down and look at the direction we are headed, and sometimes worry. I'm not sure if its the area I grew up in or the school I went to. But it seem like what plagued my environment, is also an epidemic in other cities.
I remember going to the library/park by my house. The library was like my second home, after I did some reading there, I would take my homework outside to the park and do my homework on the bench. Something about being outside with its natural noise helped me concentrate. Some of my peers would walk by and ask me what I was doing, and I would say, homework. They would look at me as if i was crazy. Saying that they don't have time to be doing all that, but would then go sit and watch people play basketball. What used to trip me out, was how much people just hung out at the park. Not doing a damn thing but gossiping and trying to hook up. The same guy who graduated high school 2 years before, would still be "kickin" it at the park trying to pick up on high school girls. I'm not saying everyone has to go to college, but they should at least try to be doing something with their life.
At the school i went to, i had been deemed "El Nerdo" by all the other black students. They would tell me, you are the only black person with a big ass backpack at this school. To me, it never bothered me to be made fun of, or laughed at when I would walk and read at the same time. But what would bother me was the Black Student Union meetings. I was vice president, and so I usually led the meetings. I would tell everyone about the opportunities the college office had to offer and would try to plan trips to college expos. But all I would hear is, "I don't think I'm gonna graduate this year anyway" or " Don't nobody want to go up to the college office, where is it anyway?" It used to piss me off.
I used to hold workshops on writing a personal statement, going to a college interview, applying for college, learning how to get financial aid. And people wouldn't show up, then later turn around talking about , they didn't know how to do any of the above and was like f**k it.
I would trip out that someone was on the brink of not graduating because they hadn't paid their senior dues, but had manage to buy the sidekick 3 when it came out.
Speaking of buying new electronics, why is it that my peers, are so quick to get the latest gadget, shoes, purse, clothing, jewelry, or game out there, but would think twice about putting money down on any form of an education or book.
Currently I have two credit cards, I'm using it to build my credit, so when I'm done with school I can actually have a credit score. I don't buy what I can't pay for in cash, I only use 10% of the limit, and I pay my bill in full to avoid interest. Many of my peers have credit card and go spending it without thinking. Some are fortunate enough to have their parents foot the bill, while others just try to make the minimum payment. Where is the self control? Where is the responsibility? And for those who aren't trying to establish credit, how are they going to advance and purchase important things on their own? Life is way more expensive when someone has no credit or bad credit.
I get tired of hearing sob stories of how, they don't have time for school. But its funny how they make time for a party. Make time to post pictures of themselves at the party on myspace. Have time to tell everyone to check them out. I'm a full time student, managing two jobs, without a car..and I'm still handling my business. Its called self sacrifice, I'm making an investment in myself. I know I can't go to every party. But when I can manage to I will, its all about time management.
I also worry about my generations health. The amount of STD's that are spreading in the high schools and colleges are insane. So many people are drinking/smoking and having unprotected sex. Does the idea of possibly contracting something, not cross anyones mind. When I hear about others just having sex with random people all the time, I'm like damn I hope you are protecting yourself..although there are still somethings that someone can contract from one touching another.
I know I'm not a perfect angel, but when I look at my generation, I wonder how will we be taken seriously. I understand being young and having fun, but there is more than just the present to live for..the future is still before us.

sorry about the ranting..I just get irritated at times.