My Place as a Citizen and Student

Everyone has their own views on what it means to be an American citizen.  Not one person's perspective can be considered right or wrong, because of the freedom given to us by our country.  Being both a citizen and a student I can connect them to make both experiences more fulfilling.  I can use my education to learn about my rights and obligations that I can utilize in my everyday life.  

So far in my life I have formed my own opinion on what I must give back to my state and country.  I know that I am not obligated to join the military, or risk my life for my country because of the freedom it has given me.  My only civic duty is to use my rights and education to form my own opinion and vote.  I am to try my best to make the most acceptable and feasible choice in the presidential elections.  This is the best way to represent my country and add my own input in attempts to improve it.

Many kids my age (18) tend to ignore their civic duties.  They ignore their right to vote, or choose candidates for unrealistic reasons.  This makes it harder for society to take them seriously and harder for them to expand their political views.  This close-minded attitude is what gives kids a bad reputation and I find that my biggest duty as a citizen and a student is to not follow this example.