Steve Wilkins introduces a theme for consideration and exploration each trimester, and this term it's gender equity. Certainly, generalizing about large subsets of any population invites dangerous inaccuracies, yet we have no problem agreeing that ninth graders need attention and structures that are inappropriate for seniors. If, then, we can explore generalizations about smaller subsets of the student body, what legitimacy can we grant to senior girls who argue they are more mature than boys?

Collaborated research tells us that 18-year old females are emotionally functioning years ahead of their male counterparts, and the girls I interviewed didn't need to read any studies on the matter. "They (boys) want to hang together for security, so the tables in the lunch room look like we're at a 7th grade dance," observes one young woman. "When they're with their guy friends, they have this cool act they have to play." Another adds, "When you have a boyfriend, and you say 'hi' to him only 5 times in one day, he wants to know what's wrong. They need continuous affirmation."

Not surprisingly, boys have a different take on the matter. "It depends on who you're talking about," several claim, citing the danger of generalizing. Rob, a junior, has done his own research. "You go ask the housekeeping staff. They'll tell you who's more mature. Boys keep their dorms cleaner." Below, Pete, James and Marc get in touch with their sensitive, expressive sides: