Through a project called "By Teens, for Teachers," 464 short essays were written by teenagers about issues specific to the experience of today's adolescents. In this descriptive study, participants chose from thirteen different writing prompts derived from an extensive literature review to reflect issues in adolescent development. Essays were written specifically to teachers about adolescent experiences, concerns, and dreams. An examination of the distribution of essays written to particular prompts suggest higher than expected interest in writing to teachers about issues of motivation and engagement in teaching. Qualitative analyses suggest six themes along three axes of tension including fearfulness and risk taking, boredom and stress, and frivolity and responsibility. These themes suggest clear lessons for teachers and teacher educators working with today's youth.