What Teens Really Think

19% Have personally been a victim of crime or violence

"I have so many doors open to me. I just have to work for it. It is there for me, if I want it and I try." -- BLANCA PACHECO

"It's a confusing time, rather than bad or good. I'm stuck in the middle of so many things -- college things, the war, the economy, other things that are going on." -- ROD FISHER

"Any time is a hard time to be a teenager . . . there are . . . lots of bad things waiting out there. But you only have one life. I'd rather be optimistic than pessimistic." -- BEN LITOFF

"This country is headed in the wrong direction. There is more pollution. The population keeps growing. People are stealing. Crime seems to be getting worse." -- KRISTIN SPRING

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Percentage of local teens saying each is "very important."

75% ... Being successful in a career

65% ... Having a family of your own

65% ... Having lots of close friends

64% ... Making a difference in the world

62% ... Having enough free time to do things you want to do

Richard Morin is The Post's polling director. He will be fielding questions and comments about this issue Monday at 1 p.m. at washingtonpost.com/liveonline.

BLANCA PACHECO

"It's a confusing time, rather than bad or good. I'm stuck in the middle of so many things -- college things, the war, the economy, other things that are going on."