What is the number one problem facing teenagers?

The number one problem facing teenagers would have to be teen pregnancy and the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases.  It is a sad, but true realization to say that this generation is experiencing things a lot younger than they really should.    

It is said that 52% of high school teenagers are already sexually active. More than half of all twelfth grade students reported being sexually active compared to 20% of ninth grade students.  Although teen pregnancy rates have declined over the years, they are now climbing their way back up the percentage chart.  According to, “Teen Pregnancy Statistics,” 820,000 teenagers in the United States become pregnant each year, meaning 34% of teenagers become pregnant by the age of twenty.  40% of teenagers who reported having sex at the age of thirteen and fourteen say that it was unwanted. Not only this, but 80% of teenage pregnancies are unintentional. 

North Carolina is not only among the fifteen worst states for teen pregnancy, but also for STD’s, AIDS, and HIV.  It is estimated that in 2011, 8,300 people ranging from the age of thirteen to twenty-four in forty of the fifty states report to have an HIV infection.  Every day, 1,000 children are infected with HIV.   Many children who have AIDS or HIV do not receive treatment, in fact, it’s only 23%.  One in five people living with HIV are unaware of their infection and over one million people in the U.S. suffer from this disease.  Many cases of HIV not only occur in the US, but sadly, occur in third world countries, which lack many of the resources and medicines to treat the symptoms of this incurable disease.  Comparing heterosexual relationships to homosexual relationships (MSM), the percentage varies immensely with homosexuals rating a lot more.  In fact, the comparison was 27% to 61%. 

A possible solution to such distressing and ingenuous statistics would be to require all public schools to offer a sex education class.  With this class, it would inform teenagers the dangers of premarital sex and sexually transmitted diseases.  Even though sex education is covered in parts of health classes, it is only taught for a week maximum.  Also, 16% of high school students reported never being taught about AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.  With this solution, it would offer the chance for high school students to learn more, which could possibly help lead to less teen pregnancies and HIV rates. 

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1956645,00.html

http://www.teenhelp.com/teen-pregnancy/teen-pregnancy-statistics.html

http://www.unicefusa.org/work/hivaids/?gclid=CNiw98CJlLYCFQYFnQodInEA1w

http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/statistics/

Lines of love

In Allyn Rosser’s poem, I found many of his ‘final lines’ to be the most powerful.  I was able to pick out five lines that I was able to understand and connect to.

 The first line was, “We watch the puppet show to spot the strings.”  When I read this, I began to think that what Rosser meant was that we often look for such minor details that we miss the most important part.  So often, we lose sight of what actually really matters because we’re so distracted by such minute and unimportant situations and incidents.  

Another ‘final line’ that I thought was very powerful was, “Success occurs when you forget to fail.”  This should be a quote that everyone follows.  I think that Rosser was trying to say that once you forget that there’s even the slightest possibility of you failing, you can do anything. 

“He dreams about the smiles she suppressed,” is very relatable.  I think that this ‘final line’ is speaking of a man who would love to see a certain girl happy.  He knows who she really is, but can’t seem to understand why she hides her happiness.  He longs to see the day where she actually feels genuine and doesn't have to fake a smile. 

When Rosser said, “Some stones bleed if resolutely pressed,” I think he was saying that if you constantly push and expect someone to do something, it will eventually lead to their downfall.  Some people have so many expectations that are placed upon by them by their selves and others, that they become overwhelmed and fail miserably.  

The last line that I understood was, “The bay leaf is never served with the stew.”  A bay leaf is a type of leaf that is very hard and rough and never softens even when cooked.  You’re not supposed to keep the bay leaf in the food that you cook it with because it can damage your body if swallowed.  I feel that he said this in order to contradict life.  Throughout your life, you’ll constantly be challenged with difficult obstacles that may affect you, but it’s your choice on how you respond to it. 

“Lines of Love” 

By: Hannah Lunsford

Love, the word over used by so many. 

A rare thing finding the one who is true.

People treat love like finding a penny,

And other times, some under use it too. 

It is a wondrous and beautiful thing,

But can break you in the blink of an eye.

An angel that has a halo and wing,

Or an evil spirit that feeds on lies.

A soft kiss on the cheek in the moonlight,

Or an awakening after so long.

A perfect ending to a Sunday night,

Or the tears that never end until dawn.

It is a risky adventure to take,

Though definitely worth the heart break.