MSG Teens is a platform founded by an 8th grader in Pittsburgh who believes teenagers deserve better. Like the food additive MSG — unfairly labeled for decades — teens are misunderstood. We're here to change that.
Founded by Joshua Wright, Central Catholic, Pittsburgh PA
The truth about teenagers
Got a moment where an adult got you completely wrong? That story deserves to be heard — and it could change how someone sees teens forever.
Your story could be next.
Approved stories are published on the Wall of Fame and shared with our growing community. Takes 5 minutes to submit.
Submit a Story →5 minutes · free · no account needed
Our Story
Joshua was on his phone at home when his parent asked him to do chores. He didn't answer right away — and was immediately called disrespectful. The decision was made before he could explain.
Just like MSG — the food additive falsely blamed for decades before science cleared its name — teens carry unfair labels. MSG Teens exists to change that, one real story at a time.
Featured Article
January 24, 2026
Gitanjali Rao is a young scientist and inventor who has changed the world with her creative, real-world thinking. Since she was a young girl, she showed a strong interest in science and how it can be used to help other people.
One of her most important inventions is a device that detects lead in drinking water. She created it after learning about the Flint Water Crisis, where a change in the city's water source exposed around 100,000 residents to unsafe water. Lead is especially dangerous because it can damage the brain and nervous system, particularly in children. Gitanjali designed a device called Tethys that uses new technology to quickly detect lead.
She also created an app called Kindly, which uses artificial intelligence to detect cyberbullying. Studies show that a large percentage of teens experience online harassment, and Kindly helps by analyzing messages and warning users before harmful content is sent.
Gitanjali's achievements include being named TIME's Kid of the Year, giving a TED Talk, and receiving recognition from major science organizations. Today she continues developing new ideas to solve global problems. She believes that anyone, no matter their age, can make a difference if they stay curious and keep trying.
Submit a Story
Every story on this site started with someone deciding to share. If you've been mislabeled, misunderstood, or watched it happen to someone else — that's exactly what we're here for.
Every experience here is real. Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
See all stories on the Wall of Fame →January 24, 2026
Innovator
She invented a lead-detection device at age 11 and was named TIME's Kid of the Year — but her teachers once called her "too ambitious." Her story challenges what we think a "realistic" student looks like.
Read Gitanjali's story →March 8, 2026
Student Story
Often sitting at the edge of his seat, tapping his pencil, looking around the room — adults saw disruption. But Ben was just trying his best. His story shows that behavior doesn't tell the full story.
Read Ben's story →April 3, 2026
Student Story
Maya asked a fair question about her grade and her teacher told her she had an "attitude problem." That label followed her all semester. But Maya wasn't being difficult — she was being a student.
Read Maya's story →May 4, 2026
Student Story
Malik worked 15 hours a week and helped raise his younger siblings. He studied past midnight and still showed up. But one semester of late homework was enough for his teacher to call him a slacker.
Read Malik's story →May 26, 2026
Founder's Story
I didn't answer my parent right away and stayed on my phone for a minute. They called me disrespectful before giving me a chance to explain. That moment made me realize how fast adults reach for a label.
Read Joshua's story →Every teen has a story worth telling. Submit yours and be featured on the Wall of Fame.
Submit a Story →Why It Matters
"MSG was labeled dangerous for decades. Scientists later proved it wasn't. Teens are mislabeled every day. We're proving they aren't either."
— Joshua Wright, Founder · MSG Teens · Central Catholic, Pittsburgh PA