Despite having grown up in the 1970s, I find that today's youth are much more socially conscious than we were back then.

Perhaps it was a backlash from the hyper-consciousness of the late 1960s and early 1970s, but my high school classmates were far more interested in various hedonistic pursuits than organizing a "Pink Out" to increase awareness of breast cancer or collecting food and coats for those in need.

I, of course, was an oddity in the early days of disco. I got caught up in political campaigns, fund-raising and social protests...I just had to strongarm my friends into going along with the current cause.

So I am really proud of today's teenagers, at least those we see so often in the North Boroughs, who are constantly doing for others. I suppose it helps that both high schools have community service requirements for graduation, but that doesn't begin to account for the many projects we see these kids launch. Doing for others has become a major part of their lives, and hopefully they have experienced the deep satisfaction that comes from lending a hand to make the world a better place.

These kids are learning the power of activism. They won't have to wonder if they can make a difference by getting involved or getting out to vote -- they know that they can. They won't be sitting around waiting for someone else to fix their problems, they'll be hitting the front lines of an effort to eradicate the problems they face.

They are integrating compassion into their everyday lives as they reach out to those who are homeless and suffering from devastating diseases. They are saving lives as they educate their classmates and their communities about something like breast exams or not driving under the influence.

These kids are likely to forget historical dates, and algebra will disappear from the brain about as quickly as it got in there, but hopefully these lessons of of conscience will last a lifeteime.