When you’re down, spending time on the North Washington Street Bridge that links the North End to Charlestown is the best. The sound of water calms your brain. Then, the rumble of the cars speeding by brings you back to reality. Sitting on the ledge near City Hall in Government Center is relaxing. Especially on the weekends, Government Center is full of people and activities like singing or dancing. Looking down, you can see how beautiful Boston is. One minute, the streets will be filled with people and happiness. The next, everything will be quiet and peaceful. These big structures build a wall around you, and protect you. When you’re upset at night and don’t feel like talking to anyone, you head for the soccer field near the high school in Charlestown. You can kick your soccer ball against the wall and nobody will care. That’s the best way to get your anger out. No one gets hurt. The smell of rain makes you feel alive. Most people hate it so it’s just you standing there -- anywhere -- and it’s like you are in the middle of the ocean, swimming by yourself. Nobody is around to say anything. Nobody is there to judge you. You are so free and sometimes you just scream because it makes you feel better. In the day, the North End is so busy. Nobody has time for anybody. Everybody’s just running around. In the middle of this city rush, you can find your own quiet zone and reflect upon life. End of the day. Work is done. No more phone calls. No more customers. Waiting for the bus home outside Haymarket is a good place to chill and think. The moon seems to follow you and look out for you. It’s alone time.

Losangela Batista, 17, from the John D. O’Bryant School of Math & Science, believes that people should start dating when they feel like they are mature enough to be responsible for their actions. When is a good age? Many parents have strict rules about their kids dating. For example, some teens are not allowed to date until they are at least 18, when there are fewer distractions and more in common with someone else. “I’m not sure if I would put a dating age for my child,” says Ben Perez, a 15-year-old Boston resident. Angie Miranda, 17, of the O’Bryant, thinks that parents should talk to their kids about dating and see if they are ready. When Batista becomes a mother in the future, she says she would allow her children to date during high school so they can have fun. However, when she becomes a parent, Batista will talk to her children about what to do and what not to do in a relationship.