In our current age of booming technology and phenomenal advances, there is no question as to the incredible intelligence of our generation.

Scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and doctors, along with the many specialists in our society have knowledge of how to improve fields such as that of technology and medicine to ensure that our lives are refined and secure. Because of these scientists, we now know many cures to illnesses that were once thought incurable, and because of technicians, we have machines that can compute numbers to the bazillioth degree.

It seems as though everyday, one thing or another get improved to make our lives easier. Let’s consider Apple’s infamous digital media player- the iPod. In 2001 when the product first appeared to the present, the iPod has been updated from a simple mp3 player to a highly developed, good looking gizmo with notable features such as its color screen and multiple functions not limited to simply music playing. The modernization of the iPod itself is already great to me, but for the Apple team to think of the many other updates for the iPod it must only be an act of technological geniuses. The iPod is just one of the numerous innovations to our modern civilization.

Not only has there been an increase in intelligence as seen in the field of technology, but there have also been many in that of America’s students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there has been a continuous climb in high school student’s Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores on both the math and verbal sections during the past decade. Also, in 2002, over 90 percent of the one million plus students taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes in the United States took the corresponding AP test which challenged their understanding of the subject at the college level in return for college credit if graded to satisfactory standards. So, though teenagers may be considered to be characteristically slothful, their brains are not.

Now let’s consider the actions of our own school in relation to the intellect of our peers. Students are pushed to perform at standards as seen through such efforts of students tutoring fellow students, as well as available classes to tackle specialized areas like that of arts, science and history. Every school day is one that furthers the knowledge of students which will all lead to contributions to the advanced world which will give well deserved credit to our generation.

Though it may be that progress upon progress can be considered to making Americans become lazy and dumb, those advances that are improving our lives are doing the opposite.