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My situation was different.
I am the founder and was the team leader of RAMBOTS for the past two years. I was a college freshman and I was dealing with both high school students (as a mentor) as well as the "adults" of the high school administration.
Initially, it was difficult to deal with "adults." I, after all, was only a year or so older than their own sons. There was a lot of tension.
Students who have shown responsibility or ask for responsibilities, are both given that responsibility -- as well as the power to fulfill it. Responsibility comes with added benefits, but you need to be trusted to fulfill it.
So to students that want responsibility, show that you are capable of it -- or are willing to take full responsibility for it. Sometimes, adults are just afraid to give you the responsibility becuase they are afraid you might make a mistake and they will look bad. In my experience, adults are generally more uptight about mistakes because the older you are, the more people expect you to be more "responsibile." Though when you're young, you can make mistakes.
The balance ? Adults, give your kids some responsibilities (if they are worthy of it), and allow them to make their own mistakes. That's the only way to learn. Just guide them. As for Students, listen to your mentors, as they have made those mistakes already.
-anton
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