We would like to know (sometimes…)about the life of American teenagers. Do they to school with those yellow buses, like to play basketball, or behave cool and can act like those in Glee? I suppose, they also have problems, just like other teens in Indonesia. The American teens have different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, and status. Though each of them has their own fears, motivation, and courage, they all have dreams to be successful, independent, earn their own living, and try to live happy.
We try to show you a few teens through portraits depicting the wide economic, social, and ethnic spectrum of the American teens. These pictures were taken by Chicago based photographer and a professor from Chicago College-DawoudBey- inhis book “Class Pictures”. Each teen was asked about their life and aspiration. Hopefully, you enjoy looking at these pictures as I do.
Kevin: When I was about six or seven my father died. This was either the worst or best thing that ever happened to me…..Thanks to the death of my father, I learned to value independence, hard work, and maturity. This is my blessing. Thanks to the death of my father I grew up much too fast and never learned how to ask anyone for help. I carry my own burdens.
Marieke: If I was still in the middle of a book, I might bring it to the table, placing it next to my plate until my parents made me put it away. 
Usha : I can speak four languages, I am an actress, and when I was about thirty seconds old I reached up and took my dad's glasses off of his face. When I was eight years old, I visited my cousin's school in India. They didn't have a roof, so during the monsoons they got rained on. When I went home, I raised enough money to build them a roof and buy some school supplies.
Austin : I like to play sports, but my favorite sport is basketball, and I play for a team. My favorite class in school is Science. I like to go out on Friday nights and chill. I usually go to the movies and to the bowling alley and other stuff.
Shalanta : People around me have to be positive, and like to be around me. All of my friends would describe me as crazy but intelligent. Most people are intimidated by my look, but later get to see that I am a loving, fun-going person.
Jordan : Every new day for me brings new and exciting adventure. I spend most of my time doing the typical things seventeen-year-olds do, but always find myself trying to take it to the next level, advancing my life as much as possible. Most people would say that I am mature for my age, that I don't act like I am seventeen.