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In a world where the only constant is change, we are continuously being introduced to new ideas, beliefs, situations and states of mind. As a result, our perspectives are often challenged. And this is true, whether one is a teenager or an older adult.

Growing up is similar to opening your eyes. When you are very little, you are often sheltered from many of the themes and events that are prevalent in the world. Even if you are exposed to them, the chance that you will be able to understand what you see is slim.

“When I was younger, I thought everything was just a game,” remarked Northwest High School student Christian Pawlowski, age 17. “When I got older, I learned I had to mature to succeed in the real world.”

Bullis School sophomore Jared Cohen, age 15, agreed: “You’re exposed to more politics and the global picture, and you gain a greater understanding of your place in the world.”

Pawlowski and Cohen are exactly right. As teens, we are exposed to a great deal more than we used to be — from something as significant as comprehending current political and social events, to just being able to watch PG-13 movies.

This broader view of the world described by Cohen greatly changes the way teenagers have to think about life. Along with the ability to be exposed to more, comes the responsibility to form your own opinions regarding those things.

No longer can you rely on the training wheels of your family’s opinions; it is now your job to apply what you have seen and learned to determine what your perspective on the matter is. This can change with the experiences you have, and can morph with time.

Sue Jeweler, former teacher, author (and my grandmother), elaborated, “If [teens] are given opportunities to question, research, be critical thinkers, etc., as events unfold they are able to really understand them. If they weren’t given that foundation, then too often they aren’t thinking for themselves, and aren’t actively participating in change.”

Regarding the Florida school shooting that has been prevalent in the news, she added that as a result of this tragedy, “Kids have been given the chance to speak out about the situation, and they are articulate and strong.”

Local Washington-area students organized a “die-in” in front of the White House days after the shooting. And some of the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where the shooting took place, are planning a student march in Washington this month to advocate for better gun control laws.

“These kids are going to make this difference because the adults let us down,” said Emma Gonzalez, a student at the Parkland, Fla., school.

Not only teens shift perspective

At the same time, the perspectives of older adults on subjects such as technology, religion and sexual orientation, which may have been formed decades ago, can also be subject to change.

Jeweler recalled, “At my dinner table, my father would always play devil’s advocate, and we’d have discussions in which he would always take the opposite side. This taught me that, if you have a point of view, you have to be able to support it, and you have to be open-minded.”

The same nonjudgmental nature is also helpful for staying abreast of pop culture. Keeping an open mind regarding modern music, movies and media, and experiencing what is popular today, keeps your perspective on the world constantly adapting.

As Jeweler put it, “When I was teaching, the kids would teach me about what was current in music — because it wasn’t anything I was listening to.”

Cohen described his own grandmother with whom he has a close relationship: “She has two Instagram accounts, and she’s embraced how we’ve moved toward a digital world. To stay relevant, it’s important to keep up with the curve of technology and how society is changing.”

The fact that both the older and younger generations at one point or another are forced to rethink things is a perfect way for them to connect with each other.

Sharing your thoughts on social issues, pop culture and more with a younger friend can be an easy introduction to other perspectives and a great conversation starter.

You can discuss the importance of keeping an open mind; by doing so you may find that you and your buddy introduce each other to different points of view.

You can also “trade pop culture” by showing each other your favorite movies, and listening to each other’s favorite music from when you each were growing up.

Perhaps you will discover a new favorite film or artist. Never be afraid to change your perspectives; you may very well be better off as a result.

Alexis Bentz is a 10th grade student at Thomas Wootton High School in Rockville, Md. She writes this monthly column on ways youth and older adults can learn from each other and bond.