Tula Goodman, 15, is one of the coolest/most stylish girls I know, and I am glad to call her a friend. Prior to meeting for the first time IRL at the Rookie Yearbook Three (!) signing in Hollywood, we had known each other from Instagram. She is in the process of forming a band, but, in the meantime, you can hear a few songs she has written on her Soundcloud.

What does growing up as a part of this generation mean to you?

TULA GOODMAN: It’s pretty damn cool. At least from where I stand, I am able to see fellow teenagers creating art, music—all sorts of amazing new things. It’s pretty rad being a part of an innovative generation. However, the teens in our generation are split up into different categories. Some don’t really know what to do at this point in life—which is totally OK! Then there are some teenagers who are actually really innovative, the kind that create art, music, and names for themselves. These kids—they’re so rad. On the whole, with generalizations aside, being a teenager in this generation is pretty rad.

What occupies your time? Also, Tula, you are starting a band, right? How is that going?

I’m writing for the zine Crybaby: I interview three L.A. teens a month about what they love about being a teenager and what they do! Much like this interview.

I’m also working on a couple secret projects in film, so that’s been exciting, especially getting the team set up. And starting a band! We haven’t settled on a name, but I am thinking about calling it DAZED. We’re very excited. We plan on having a show in August at AMPLYFi.

Does any of this interfere with your daily life?

First off, I love my school. They are so obsessed with their students creating art and being productive, so I know I have them on my side. Sometimes school can interfere, which is really bothersome. Because why would I want to read about electrochemical gradients when I can jam out with my friends?

Otherwise, I usually spend my days working on stuff, like the band or art in general. The only thing it can interfere with my “go get ’em, tiger” time at the moment is my summer job at a bookstore, but, so far, it hasn’t.

Do you feel people take you seriously?

When I tell an adult that I’m working on a project, they know I’m serious. Even if some older people don’t think I am serious, it doesn’t matter because I know that what I do now isn’t going to affect them—it’s going to affect my fellow teens. Teenagers work off one another by influencing one another to create more, and be more.

Is there an advantage to growing up in this generation?

The number-one advantage we have is the impact we can leave on generations to come.

Do you feel there are any downsides?

This generation is sort of stuck in the middle. There are people in the world right now who are filled with hate and ignorance, and there are people filled with love and acceptance. Teenagers are put in the position of having to choose a side—whether they want to live with old traditions or create a new world with new norms.

Are there other young people that you look up to?

Totally! I look up to all of my friends! They are crazy successful in what they do and I am just amazed at how they do what they do and how they dedicate themselves to whatever it is. All of my best friends have been such huge impacts on me—especially artistically. ♦