1st Impressions and your Reputation Last Forever

We live in a society today where teenagers are exposed to so much more than their parents ever were. They are growing up much faster and dealing with mature issues before they have the knowledge base to cope with items that adults don't even handle well.

In the connected world we live in it is hard for a 14, 15, 16 year-old to understand that they are making impressions and people are watching. People of influence are developing impressions of young people at much earlier ages because they are far more visible. Technology allows indivduals of all ages to take much closer looks at individuals than they ever have before.

These people that are developing impressions are possible future employers, admission representatives, coaches, scholarship committees and many more. There is not a day that goes by that I personally don't have someone ask "what do you know about.......". My comments are based upon what I know for fact and what reputation that person has developed through a network of acquaintances and technology postings.

It is common in today's world for adults to spread gossip that they have heard from their kids or friends that eventually becomes fact with no factual basis. I can tell you in my own community I have based impressions of young people upon the way I see them interact with others, what I hear them say and what they post on Facebook. I can tell you who the "mean girls" are, what boys have no respect for women and who is sincere verse those that are fake.

The day of "oh they are just kids" is long gone. We have a created a society that has allowed children to grow up too fast. The result is dealing with the harsh realities of adulthood at way too early of an age. There are young people who have unfortunately already shot themselves "in the foot" by developing a reputation that will follow them throughout life.

So the next time someone tells you "it doesn't matter what others think" or "how you treat others right now doesn't matter" then think again. Your actions as a teenager could have a bearing on your future and your reputation is an important item for you to guard.

I personally keep a list of individuals in my draw who I have encountered and believe they might be potential hires one day. They don't all work out but they are individuals who have impressed me. I don't need a list to remember the people that don't impress me, they are easy to remember.

So remember teenagers as you work through this important age in your life. Have fun, enjoy your teenage years but don't let anyone convince you that these years mean nothing. You are making an impression and people are watching.