Adolescence and young adulthood is a time of enormous change. For many young people, the profound shift from dependence to autonomy that is the hallmark of this period is physically, emotionally, and spiritually demanding. On the other hand, this phase of life is generally marked by an exuberant optimism that is the envy of jaded adulthood. This optimism, when coupled with intelligence, lack of respect for established forms, and iconoclastic energy, may be the source of a lifetime's achievement.