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Teen Advice

Listen to this Commentary!

By Thessaly LaForce

Intro: Now this perspective from Youth Radio's Thessaly La Force who has some advice for adults on how to cope with current events.

Since September 11th, adults are starting to realize what it's like to be a teenager. Sounds strange, but think about it. Every time something tragic happens at schools, like a gang fight, or Columbine, adults take a tough stance. Either confiscating our things or making us go through stringent security.

Anthrax outbreaks and airport security lockdowns are definitely scary. But imagine having lockdowns like this everyday of your high school life. This isn't any different for us, except now we see it on the news, not just on campus. We're used to going through metal detectors, or getting our favorite pocket knives confiscated.

Adults always say "Trust me on this." But now trust us. In this case, the kids are in better shape to explain things to their parents. So I have some advice on how to get through the fear.

First of all, separate yourself a little from current events. Sure we read the newspaper, but there's also that European History assignment. Sure we watch the news, but there's also that episode of Friends. We are aware, we know current events, but after a certain point we have a red light that says: STOP. YOU HAVE TO GO ON WITH YOUR LIFE.

Second, use this excuse to treat yourself. Find a passion. Become a foreign film expert, and wear a trendy black beret. Learn to play the violin.

Finally, secretly believe you're immortal. That's what we do. Sometimes denial is a beautiful thing.

Honestly, as teenagers, we don't really know what we're doing with our lives, and we take it for granted that tomorrow will be there for us. You have to believe that too, no matter how old you are. And that's the best advice I can give you.

With a perspective, I'm Thessaly LaForce.

Back Announce: Thessaly La Force's perspective comes to us from Youth Radio, an award-winning media training program in Berkeley.