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Adolescence is a pivotal developmental stage for establishing patterns of behaviors that can last a lifetime. Adolescents' choices have a significant impact on future opportunities. Education can have tremendous influence on the overall success of an individual. For example, a quality education can affect employability, which indirectly influences economic status; therefore, influencing access to health care and community resources. This literature review will examine the effect of family, peers, and teachers as it relates to adolescent motivation to achieve academically. The authors have investigated adolescent academic motivation from a cross-cultural prospective, exploring four diverse ethnic groups: European Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans. The research indicates that though developmentally, adolescents share common characteristics, unique dynamics are considered by counselors when addressing academic motivation within ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larry Golden started the marriage and family therapy program at Our Lady of the Lake University and was founding chair of the Department of Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has contributed substantially to the literature in marriage and family counseling. This interview secured his unique perspective on developments in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an editorial which discusses the author's experience moving to the United States. The concept of starting over is discussed with respect to the Chinese New Year. The author talks about his fears related to speaking English, general culture shock, and loneliness. The Chinese concept of "Nian" is also reviewed.