What It’s Really Like Being a Teen in Woodstock Right Now

 By The Woodstock Wire Youth Desk

Let’s be real — being a teenager in Woodstock is nothing like the small-town TV shows make it seem. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of late-night Cookout runs, endless Snap memories, AP homework you forgot about until 11:57 PM, and figuring out who you are in a city that’s growing just as fast as you are.

And nobody’s really asking us what it feels like.

So we’re telling you ourselves.

The Pressure is Real
From college apps to finding a prom date, teens here are under pressure — in school, on social media, and even just trying to look like we have it together. “Everyone’s doing something big — starting a business, posting perfect grades, going viral — and it makes it feel like we’re always behind,” said Hannah, a junior at River Ridge.

But So Is the Power
At the same time, there’s a huge energy rising in the youth of Woodstock. Students are starting nonprofits, launching creative projects, and getting involved in local government like never before. We’re not waiting to be asked anymore — we’re stepping up and showing up.

And We Love Our City, Even If We Roast It
Yes, sometimes we joke about the lack of things to do. But catch us at the Friday Night Lights, downtown after school, or grabbing boba in between Target runs — this town is part of us. We just want more spaces to be seen and heard.

Here’s What We’re Doing About It
At The Woodstock Wire, youth voices aren’t just welcome — they lead. This article is one of many. Coming soon:

• Student-written takes on mental health, identity, and pop culture
  
  

• Honest school lunch reviews
  
  

• A column called “From the Desk of a Teen”
  
  

• Your photos, poems, playlists, rants — and yeah, even memes
  
  

This is what being a teen in Woodstock really looks like — unfiltered, funny, messy, motivated. And we’re done being talked about like we’re too young to get it.

Because we do get it.

And now we’ve got a platform to prove it.