A group of teens and young adults spoke at a forum at the Cold Spring Harbor Library Wednesday night about their future plans and why it feels like many young people are leaving Long Island.

The "brain drain" involves young, highly-skilled people leaving Long Island. Dr. Nathalia Rodgers, the director of Dowling College's American Communities Institute, says the brain drain is going on nationwide, with a large number of young adults leaving the suburbs.

Many at the forum say they don't plan to call Long Island home forever, citing the cost of living and lack of high-paying jobs. Others say they just want to have a new experience.

Some people at the forum did say they plan on staying on Long Island. Stephen Karaolis, of Commack, says he plans on budgeting and being responsible so he can someday afford his own place on Long Island.