A little advice from Uncle Brian

Last week I was visited by my niece and nephew for a couple days on spring break. I don't get to spend one on one time with them very often, so it was interesting to hear their perspective on the world now that they're young adults. My niece is preparing for college and filled with all the promise you could ask for from a high school senior excited about going off on a new adventure. My nephew is smack dab in the middle of high school and dealing with all the social and academic challenges high school can bring.

After their visits, I realized they're no different from any other teenager one might encounter. They think they know it all and who am I to argue. I thought I was the "cool" uncle, but apparently that doesn't matter when it comes to right and wrong. Let me get on my soap box a second here: What kids need to realize these days is that some of the biggest questions life has to ask don't really have concrete answers. Science can only explain so much and those answers evolve as new discoveries are made on a daily basis. Remaining open to those discoveries can be the difference between ending up a current and innovative thinker or just someone who spews facts they read about this, that and the other.

With teenagers, there's a fine line between conversation and debate, so as I tip-toed that line last week without trying to tick them off too much, I thought I'd reflect for a second here and give my two, or three, cents of advice. After all, that's what I'm good at, isn't it?

The first thing any adolescent should know is that intelligence will only take them so far and fear of the unknown is normal. Anxiety shouldn't stop life, it should be something you forge through on your journey to new discoveries. Red lights should only last seconds and not days. If you weren't a little afraid of what lays ahead, you'd be odd. When the light turns green, keep your foot on the gas and don't look back.

Second, don't ever underestimate the value of life experiences. Others around you who have experienced life can offer knowledge you'll need along the way. Learning to really listen to that knowledge and absorb what you need for your journey is crucial. Obviously, you won't need everything they say, but learning to close your mouth long enough to really listen to what you do need can help you grow. Respecting others' intelligence can allow you valued mentors and friends who can contribute to your growth for a lifetime.

Finally, never let your imagination disappear. The same imagination that I watched my niece and nephew get excited about puppy dogs and baby dolls; and Match Box cars and video games, respectively, can become their greatest asset in life. The ability to use your imagination is what will ultimately set you apart from the competition. Great thinkers continue to challenge their brain and letting that imagination run wild should never be underestimated.