Study: sex ed works - Teens in Print

Foster Teen—Page 4Sex Myths—Page 20Young Apprentices—Pages 8 & 9Fall TV/Movies Preview—Pages 18 & 19T.i.P.BPS goes backtoschoolBy: Daniela Cako // T.i.P. Writer■B O S T O N T E E N S I N P R I N T ■Behind the Scenes atBehind the Scenes atFenway ParkPages 10 & 11INSIDEPhotos: Artists for HumanityWake up! It's time for school. But what arestudents, teachers, and administratorslooking forward to at the start of the schoolyear? In an informal T.i.P. survey, most people cameto the same conclusion. Everyone's looking for afresh start.Students look to begin a school year better thanever before. They hope to learn new information andbuild a social life by joining clubs, playing sports,and making friends. “I couldn't wait for school tostart,” says Samia Aitelhaj, a student at O'Bryant.Teachers have their own motivations. “I look forwardto getting to know a whole new bunch of students,”says Jesse Southwick, a physics teacher atBoston Latin School. “Each year brings new personalities,new challenges, and new relationships.”Darien Cooper, a social studies teacher at theAcademy of Public Service, tells entering freshmen,“Be yourself,” and to the seniors, “Get ready, thefuture is on you now.”Jananya Ephraim is going to Charlestown High andis nervous for the upcoming year. She expects highschool will bring more work, but she is also lookingforward to meeting new people.[ BACK TO SCHOOL, PAGE 15 ]Photo: Shawn McLaughlin / Artists for HumanityMy time at the Democratic partyBy: Ramona Coleman // T.i.P. WriterIn the late afternoon on July 26, my experience at theDemocratic National Convention began. I was filledwith anticipation as I toured the convention floor atthe FleetCenter, waiting for four o'clock, when the gavelwould come down to signal the commencement of theconvention.I was so excited to see what would happen at this privateparty, as I had heard some people call it. As a 17-year old African-American and Dominican fromRoxbury, I spend my days doing homework, hanging outwith friends, and participating in singing groups at myhigh school, Boston Arts Academy. I don't usuallyschmooze at political party conventions. What an excitingopportunity this was!Through Citizen Schools, the after-school apprenticeshipprogram I have participated in since sixth grade, Iwas able to get press credentials to cover the DNC inStudy: sex ed worksSummerin thecityPages12 & 13Boston. My task was to report on this big event from theperspective of teens in my home city.The convention was enormous. I was amazed by theexcitement in the crowd. I was surprised when, after thegaveling, music came on, everyone in the room got upand started dancing, clapping, and cheering. I hadexpected the delegates, guests, and media to be seriousand professional, and I was confused. Then I realizedthat although they were having fun, they were actingprofessional at the same time. After all, the conventionis also a party to celebrate John Kerry as the Democraticpresidential nominee.My week at the DNC was a unique experience, filledwith opportunities to be a part of American politics. Imet and interviewed a number of important officials inBoston, including Mayor Thomas M. Menino and PoliceCommissioner[ DEMOCRATIC PARTY, PAGE 5 ]check out page 20

READERS:A TIP FOR YOUDear Readers:Welcome to the second issue of T.i.P., acitywide newspaper created by, andfor, Boston public high school students.Boston teens have much to say and weare pleased you have a paper in whichto say it.T.i.P. lets students communicate witheach other, and to the world at large.Each issue includes news articles,opinion pieces, artwork, and poetry. Andwhile adult mentors are advising T.i.P.staff, students give the paper its voice.WriteBoston and the Boston GlobeFoundation are proud to be sponsorsof this innovative journalism initiative.WriteBoston was founded to improvewriting skills among local students, soT.i.P. is a natural extension of our mission.The Boston Globe’s commitment toquality journalism also makes us an idealpartner for this venture.Enjoy T.i.P.! It will be published throughoutthe school year. Please share it with otherstudents and encourage them to read itand submit their own articles.Leah BaileyDirector, Boston Globe FoundationMeet the T.i.P staffT.i.P.Write BostonJournalism CampPHIL DONAHUEAdvice for next prez: Get our troops home.What’s in his CD player: NOW 15One guilty pleasure: Britney Spears’scontinuing biographyMARTINE ROMULUSTop summer food: Corn on the cobBack-to-school must: White skirt from Tello’sBest summer flick: “You Got Served”JOSHUA VAUGHNJournalism lesson: People love talking aboutthemselves.Reflection on journalism camp: The bestthing was the food. It was always there.Best summer flick: “Spider-man 2”Artists for Humanityphotographers.Photo: Artists for HumanityBetty SouthwickDirector, WriteBostonCONTENTST.i.P. profiles . . . . . . . . . . . .2T.i.P. letter . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Express Yourself . . . . . . . . . .3Foster Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . .4MICHAEL SMITHJournalism lesson: The power of note takingGeorges Island memory: The heatReflection on journalism camp: Beingfeatured in T.i.P. is the biggest reward.LAURYS ABREUAdvice for next prez: Stop neighborhoodviolence.Georges Island memory: Melanie’s grave.Back-to-school must: ResponsibilityT.i.P Staff with Mayor MeninoT.i.P. staff outsideThe Boston Globe.Photo: WriteBostonIn Your Face . . . . . . . . . . .6-7The Apprentice . . . . . . . . .8-9Fenway Tour . . . . . . . . . .10-11Teen Beat . . . . . . . . . . .12-13Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-15Right Brain . . . . . . . . . .16-17Horoscopes . . . . . . . . . . . .17Arts/Entertainment . . . . .18-19Sex Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004Photo: Artists for HumanityBack: (L-R) Betty Southwick (Director ofWriteBoston), Larry Richardson, KareemJames, Marquie Cooper, Divah Payne,Kelly Knopf-Goldner (T.i.P. Manager)Middle: (L-R) Manny Nieves, Josh Vaughn,Wendy Nunez, Mayor Menino, MonicaPerdomo, Kayla Falcon, Laurys Abreu,Lauren McDade (Writing Coach)Front: (L-R) Genta Spaho, ShanemmaMoody, Jananya Ephraim, Shakemia Shaw,Linh Duong, Dwight Lawrence, Leona Alston

T.i.P.T.i.P. Needs YouHere’s whyWhether going “back to school” excites you or not, there IS onething to look forward to now that Boston Public is back in session:another edition of T.i.P., or Boston “Teens in Print.”Maybe you missed us last spring when T.i.P. first came on thescene, but we hope more of you are scooping up this latest copyfrom the T.i.P. boxes in your schools.T.i.P. had a busy summer and welcomed a bunch of new writers.Check out how they-and Artists for Humanity and Arts inProgress-captured Boston teens enjoying summer in the city.While more of you have jumped on board the T.i.P. staff, we arestill looking to include as many different students-and voices-fromBoston Public high schools as possible.• Do you doodle in the margins of your notebooks? T.i.P. needs acomic strip!• Do you shoot pictures? T.i.P. wants vivid photos that jump offthe pages!• Do you write poems and stories? T.i.P. craves powerful words thatspeak to Boston teens!By the time the next edition comes out, we’ll have a new-or returning-presidentin Washington, D.C., it will be cold, you’ll be deep intothe school year, and Britney will have a new fiancé. We know you havethoughts on all this and more, and we need you to make T.i.P. trulyrepresent teens across Boston.T.i.P. Writers Lamont Crawford, Chris-Ann Dawkins,Phil Donahue, Tara Jackson, Lisa Jing and Alafia Spencer contributed to this article.What’s the buzzat BSAC?A year of growth for teens makinga difference in Boston schoolsT.i.P. proudly introduces a new column about a team ofcool high school students who work with peers, administrators,and the Boston School Committee. For the realdeal about BSAC read on.By: BSAC Writing StaffGood news: BSAC has been resurrected. What’s BSAC? It’sthe Boston Student Advisory Council, a citywide body ofstudent leaders representing Boston Public High Schools.Our mission is to advise the School Committee, inform ourschools of citywide issues, and work on other projects.During ‘03-‘04, Our Year of Growth, we made great progress.Last November, members elected five of us to serve on theBSAC Executive Board where students act as liaisonsbetween BSAC and the Boston School Committee. BSACPresident, Asiya Williams, a ninth grader from AnotherCourse to College, faithfully attended bi-weekly SchoolCommittee meetings and reported back at our monthlymeetings at Madison Park High School.Gradually, our voices were heard in our own schools aswell as schools across the city. By surveying our classmatesand student councils on the status of school-based studentgovernment, we began to report on student experiences andidentify issues of concern. Our review of BSAC by-lawsresulted in recommendations for improvement. Several of usfound time to discuss school matters with headmasters,Express yourselfWe want to represent you in our pages!Whether you’d like to submit your writing or be consideredfor a staff position, here’s how.Next issue: January 2005For more information contact:Kelly Knopf-Goldner at 617-541-2665.Send submissions to:WriteBoston, 2201 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119.Or submit your work directly by visiting the WriteBostonwebsite at: www.WriteBoston.org and click on the linkfor Boston T.i.P.YAB members discuss writing with coachKelly Knopf-Goldner (third from left).attend community forums on the Student Assignment Plan,and attend sessions of the Mayor’s Youth Council.One vital role is our relationship with visiting SchoolCommittee members. This year we greeted Susan Naimark,who gave us an overview on how the School Committeeworks. We also engaged School Committee Vice-ChairMarchelle Raynor in a lively debate about school residency.In April, we hosted Superintendent Tom Payzant who congratulatedour efforts. More good news: he agreed to meetwith us at least three times next year.What’s up for ‘04-05? Keeping schools informed on what’shappening and telling students how they can becomeinvolved in improving school environments. On September30, we’ll collaborate with Tufts students, Youth on Board,and Student Government Advisors on an Election/VotingEvent. In October, we’ll work with KidsVotingMassachusetts to launch a Voter Registration Drive fordesignated BPS high schools. And we’ll contribute toCommunity, Higher Education, School Partnership(CHESP) Learn & Serve Conference in November.Watch for BSAC announcements in your school.For more information contact:Barbara Locurto, BSAC Coordinator, 617-212-6474,blocurto@boston.k12.ma.usJenny Sazama, Youth on Board, 617-741-1244,jenny@youthonboard.orgKeith Love, BSAC Student Advisor, 617-592-1944,klove@boston.k12.ma.usT.i.P.BOSTON T.i.P.Sept. 21, 2004 • Volume I # 2T.i.P. StaffLaurys AbreuLeona AlstonMarquie CooperPhil DonahueJananya EphraimKayla FalconKareem JamesDwight LawrenceShanemma MoodyManny NievesWendy NunezDivah PayneMonica PerdomoLarry RichardsonMartine RomulusShakemia ShawMichael SmithGenta SpahoJoshua VaughnT.i.P. Writers/PhotographersJulia AshermanBasannya BabumbaJonathan BanksTaneyshia BigelowDaniela CakoStephanie CarvajalRamona ColemanLamont CrawfordChris-Ann DawkinsLakeisha GradyJahmilah GreenChevon HarrisonDeanna HensonHaidan HodgsonTara JacksonLisa JingMonique KellyBrenda LeongShawn McLaughlinHanh NguyenNicholas RosenbloomSharmah SaundersZunair SheikhAlafia SpencerFront page city scape:Shawn McLaughlinBOSTON GLOBE FOUNDATION:Leah Bailey, DirectorCathy Downs, Katie SullivanWRITEBOSTON:Betty Southwick, DirectorAmy LantingaT.i.P. Manager:Kelly Knopf-GoldnerWriting Coach:Lauren McDadeTHE BOSTON GLOBE:Production Director:Irene MauchEditor:Marie C. FranklinDesigner:Rich GieddBOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004 | 3

T.i.P.No Second Chances:A family’s struggle with foster care through the eyes of a teen sonArtwork: Uro Nazy’at / Artists for HumanityBy: Phil Donahue // T.i.P. Staff Writer4 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004This story is true. But the names of the charactershave been changed to protect the privacy ofone Boston family.Afamily of five sits around a picnic table snackingon fruit. Everyone is interested in one another’slives. A mother, her sons, 16 and 14, her daughters,11 and 4, are engaged in swapping currentstories about their latest grades and hobbies.Clouds cover the sun and the family lingers inthe shade. The event reminds them that time isrunning out. The younger son, Peter, checks aclock through the window of the DSS office and is saddenedto learn the picnic is coming to an end. The family beginstheir farewells. The sun is still hidden by clouds. An olderwoman tells the family it is time to go. Peter gives his babysisters one last hug, affectionately shakes his brother’s hand,kisses his mother on her cheek. Everyone leaves the shadedyard. Each person is going somewhere different.Peter Davis and his siblings are foster children, similar tothe 543,000 foster children living in the United States. Davislives in Boston. He says the hardest thing about being a fosterchild is having to endure visits, that end too briefly, with hisnuclear family.“Family visits are bittersweet, because one minute you’reecstatic to see your family for the first time in weeks, and thenext you’re traumatized to see them go,” Davis says.Since 1996, Davis and his family have been involved in theMassachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS). The familyfirst became entangled in DSS because Andrea Davis, themother, was reported to be a substance abuser. The childrenwere taken away after their home was raided by the BostonPolice. “We went into a group home, called the Bridge Home,”recalls Peter. “I was sad, confused, and afraid. I didn’t knowwhy I was being punished.”The Bridge Home is a group home where clients wait to beassigned to a foster home. The limit of residency was 45 daysand Peter, his brother John, and sister Bianca were there untilthe 45th day. Peter and John were placed into a home togetherwhile Bianca was separated and put in a different home.Years passed and the kids bounced from foster home tofoster home. John only went into two homes before he becamesatisfied with the second. Bianca was always in the same one.Peter was in many. He finally found a home he was contentwith. “15th time’s a charm,” Peter says sarcastically. By now,Andrea Davis was on a road to recovery and even mended herrelationship with the children’s father. She was also pregnantwith her fourth child.When a family is instituted in the system each individual isgiven a goal and the Davis’s goal was reunification, bringingthe family back together. All of the family members were doingwhat they had to do to achieve the goal and in 1998 the familywas reunified. This happened just months after the birth ofanother sister, Madeline.For a while, they were a true family again-a mom, dad, twoboys, and two girls. Everything was great, for a few months.“When my parents are near each other they affect each othernegatively,” says Peter. Soon, everything turned from great toghastly. The family became homeless and was living in randomhotels for two months until they were reinstated into the system.“Last time I blamed DSS. This time I blamed my parents,”Peter admits.Reentered into DSS, the family was given another goal; thistime it was not reunification. Each member of the family had adifferent goal. John would struggle completing his IndependentLiving because of his involvement in the Department of YouthServices (DYS). Peter’s goal was recently changed from Long-Term Substitute Care (Foster Care) to Independent Living. Thegirls’ goal was changed to adoption. The parents are left tryingto get their lives together but will never have one piece–theirchildren. “They messed up once and got us back. This timethere are no second chances,” Peter says.The family still has their monthly visits at the wooden picnictable. They still exchange their news. Peter will take advantageof the scholarships offered by DSS and plans to go to college.Aunts are adopting his sisters. His brother is still on the wrongtrack. But what keeps Peter going are those hour-long visitswhen they are a true family again.

T.i.P.THE NUMBERSFOSTER CARE FACTSBy: Phil Donahue // T.i.P. Staff WriterPeter Davis’s story is a reality that most teens never have to face, but thesefacts and figures show just how serious a problem foster care is in America.In Massachusetts:• According to DSS, the combined population of children in foster care andresidential placement is 10,276.• 43% of these individuals are adolescents between the ages of 12-17.• As of 2000, there are 7,923 individuals in foster care.• 52% of the individuals in out-of-home care are boys; 47% girls (1% unspecified).In the USA:• In 2001, 542,000 children were in foster care; 38% are black; 37% are white;17% are of Hispanic descent; and 8% are other races.• About 57% of children who exit foster care reunite with family.• The median age of a foster child is 10.6 years.• In 2000, The Urban Institute estimates total spending for out-of-home carewas at least $9.1 billion.Compiled by: US Department of Health and Human Services.RESOURCES FOR TEENS IN FOSTER CARE:For more information, go to .Teen Peer Hotline: 800-238-7868; weekdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Publications:• The Wave Newsletter (DSS adolescent newsletter written by and for youth).Read online or submit your own stories, poems, and personal thoughts to:Maureen Fallon-Messeder, Department of Social Services, 24 Farnsworth Street,Boston, MA 02210.Programs:• Outreach Program: to develop skills for independent living. For a referral,contact your social worker.• Peer Leadership Groups: Peer leadership groups can help you deal with manyissues, such as violence prevention, independent living support, and pregnancyprevention. For info, call the Teen Peer Line at 1-800-238-7868.• Youth Advisory Board: Teens in out-of-home placement can voice ideas andconcerns through this board. If you are solution oriented and like serving in aleadership role the youth advisory board may be right for you.Call the Teen Peer Line at 1-800-238-7868 for the next meeting.• If you are at least 14, in placement, and have potential goals of independentliving, speak to your social worker or call the DSS mentoring coordinatorat (617) 748- 2430.• Adoption and Foster Care Mentoring: afcmentoring.org or 617- 224-1300.Help with Pregnancy and Parenting:• Contact the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy (www.massteenpregnancy.org)for information on services available to parenting teens.Education:• Scholarships and other financial aid are available for adoptive and fosterchildren who demonstrate academic promise. Call 617-748-2000.• The Adoptive Child and Foster Child Tuition Waiver Programs provide freeundergraduate tuition at any of Massachusetts’ 29 state and community collegesand universities. To learn more, call DSS at 617-748-2267. For the Foster ChildTuition Waiver Program, call 617-748-2231.Democratic party[ FROM PAGE 1 ]Kathleen O'Toole. Mayor Menino told methat having the DNC in Boston is a greatway to bring Boston's youth into the politicalprocess and make them aware that conventionshelp determine the next president.I also got to tell people my views. I wasinterviewed live by KOL, America Online'sradio station with 150,000 listeners. I wasthrilled.As a teen in a huge room filled with delegatesfrom across the country, asking questionsto important officials, and giving myviews to a national audience, I felt significant,and more importantly, involved. Ithink people like myself need to getVOTING TIPSCOOL STUFFCOOL STUFFFREE STUFFFREE STUFFYOUR STUFFYOUR STUFFENTER TO WIN!ENTER TO WIN!Go toPhoto: Ifanyi Bell / Citizen SchoolsRequirements:• US citizen • Resident of Massachusetts • 18 years old on or before election dayWays to Register:• Online: citizenchange.com (P. Diddy’s new organization to help register voters);hiphopsummitactionnetwork.org (Russell Simmons’s Hip-Hop Summit Action Network)• By Phone: Call 617-727-2828 or 1-800-462-VOTE to request an application formor request a form on line at www.cityofboston.gov/elections/voter_reg.asp• In Person: At the Registry of Motor Vehicles.involved, and adults should continue toencourage us to be part of the future ofdemocracy. I know one adult who certainlydid. After his big speech, with balloonsfalling, people cheering, and music playing,Senator Kerry talked to me! Whoknows, maybe this convention will be thebeginning of my own political career.Ramona Coleman interviewingMayor Menino prior to the DNC.• If you have questions, call the Boston Election Department at 617-635-4635www.writeboston.org and click on “Boston Teens inPrint.” Answer some questions about THIS newspaper(the one you’re holding) and we’ll enter your name in adrawing for valuable prizes.That’s right—you could win FREE stuff! Just fortelling us what you think! Your feedback is vital to us.If T.i.P. is going to be the newspaper that representsBoston teens, then we need to hear from you, ourreaders. We want to know what you think of thisedition of T.i.P. so we can make it even better.617-541-2604 or visitwww.writeboston.orgBOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004 | 5

T.i.P.OPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSOPINIONSIN YOUR FACE6 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004Photo: Jahmilah Green / Artists for HumanityBlack teens resentBill Cosby’s remarksBy: Michael Smith // T.i.P. Staff WriterLast summer, comedian Bill Cosby created acontroversy when he said black teens and parentsare not demonstrating responsibility fortheir actions-in school, in their use of the Englishlanguage, and in their neighborhoods. However,many black teens don’t really care about Cosby’swords because they don’t like being told by someonerich and famous how to live.Part of the reason we don’t care is Cosby doesn’trecognize that most of us can make a distinctionbetween having a social life and a working life. I cango into the street doing whatever I want withoutgetting into serious trouble. Cussing and “chillin” onthe steps of my house is relaxing. But, when I go towork, anything I do outside stays outside.Cosby denigrating non-standard English is offbase and beside the point. He complained: “I can’teven talk the way these people talk, ‘why you ain’t,’‘where you is’ and I blamed the kid until I heard themother talk. Everybody knows it’s important tospeak English except these knuckleheads. You can’tbe a doctor with that kind of crap coming out ofyour mouth.”Does he think black doctors carry on this way atwork? Lighten up, Bill. If non-standard English didn’texist we never would’ve heard “you can find mein the club, bottle full of ‘bub’” or any of the soulfulsongs of Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, or DianaRoss. They all used the speech of self-taught blacksin their music, their art. Are they “knuckleheads”too? I’m a rapper myself, and when “it comes to thisthang, I’m a stay on the grind. If it means triplebeams homey I’m a get mines.” People can listen tothose words and understand what I’m saying andknow what I’m portraying. Of course I’m not goingto stand in front of the president or my boss andspeak that type of language. Be serious, Bill. Thegreatest poets use their own style of language. Wedon’t say “Thy green faces doth represent” was ahorrible form of speech because it doesn’t followmodern standard English of today. Shakespeare wasconsidered the greatest. So, how can you complainabout the language we use, when it is this languagethat fuels great imagery in poems and music?Cosby’s comments may work as a weapon nonblackscan use against us. He’s just adding to “blackon black” problems by complaining and not presentingsolutions. All I’m saying is that I do what I wantwith restrictions that I understand will help me inthe future. I don’t care a whit for what Cosby saidand neither do the rest of my friends. We all understandwhat good manners are and we are all educated.Some of the people Cosby degraded may evenbe on the verge of a college degree, but they are stillon the streets having fun. Nonetheless, we do whatwe want, understanding our actions and demonstratingresponsibility.

T.i.P.OPINIONSEducation is a civil rightBy: Chevon Harrison // T.i.P. WriterThis speech was delivered at Teen Empowerment’s 12thAnnual Youth Peace Conference.Ispent the past five years in the Midwest, in Aurora,Illinois, where I attended Waubonsie Valley High, inthe suburbs. We had two pools, two gyms, and a theater.There were plenty of books and supplies to goaround. We didn’t have metal detectors, but we also didn’thave problems with students bringing weapons to school.We had advanced placement classes and electives likemusic, art, and drama. After school, students could participatein all types of clubs: band, choir, and dance, andmany sports beyond the usual basketball, baseball, andfootball. We also had enough guidance counselors tohelp get us into college or with personal problems. Now,would it surprise you if I told you the majority of theschool is made up of white students?Now I live in Boston, where I attend Madison ParkHigh. I was disappointed when I saw what was happeninghere. Things are completely different. To start,there’s a metal detector you have to go through everymorning when you come in the building. They alsosearch your bag and occasionally search you. If all thestudents decided to show up, sometimes there aren’tenough books to go around. Most of my teachers reallycare, but there are almost no electives. Most of our dayis spent studying math and English. There are no art,music, or drama classes. There are only a few afterschoolactivities, and very few guidance counselors whocan help. The equipment used for vocational training is10 years behind the times.And surprise, the population of the school is almostentirely students of color.Education is a civil right. Every child, no matter theirfinancial status, color of their skin, or language, shouldget the resources they need in their own communities inorder to become a stable and successful adult.Don’t get me wrong. Metco is a well-meaning program.Many communities have generously opened theirschools so some urban youth can have a chance to get ahigh quality education. But now, 50 years after theBrown versus the Board of Education decision, it is waypast the time for all the youth of Boston to be getting thequality education we were promised in our own communities.If our government can afford to spend billions ofdollars reconstructing Iraq, then they should be able tofind money to reconstruct our schools, right? Boston studentsdeserve the resources we need and don’t alwayshave to succeed.Artwork / Artists for HumanityHumphrey Lena Jesse Racusen Stanley SanonMBTA searches: pretend securitySince 9/11: separate and unequalBy: Larry Richardson // T.i.P. Staff WriterFor safety, during last summer’s DNC,MBTA officials checked bags, backpacks,and briefcases at some T locations.Riders’ personal belongings werechecked by hand as well as dogs, electronicbomb detectors, and metal detectorwands. If T riders objected to having theirbags checked, they were denied entranceto the stations.Some people didn’t have a problemwith this invasion of privacy, but otherswere upset and felt as if their rights werebeing denied. Leah Labrecque, 20, ofCambridge, works in the city and takespublic transportation. She says: “To haveyour bag checked every time you take thesubway, I’d be really annoyed by that.”I know where I stand. Having your bagchecked on the T is an outrage and aninvasion of T riders’ personal space. Also,this plan is potentially illegal and may violatethe Fourth Amendment of the USConstitution and Article 14 of theMassachusetts Declaration of Rights,which protect you and I from unreason-able searches. Random bag checking canpotentially make people feel as if they arebeing singled out unfairly. And if those“randomly” searched happen to be peopleof color, as many T riders are, the MBTAis going to have another problem: accusationsof racial profiling.Also, random bag checking doesn’t reallyguarantee T riders’ safety. What if thepeople you don’t check are the peoplewho have something dangerous? In apress release, Carol Rose, executive directorof the ACLU of Massachusetts said,“This is pretend security. Moreover, anysystem that is truly random in which thepolice exercise no discretion, will be incapableof either catching or deterring terrorists,given that more than one millionpeople use the T each day.”The MBTA should cease bag checkingbecause it’s unfair, it’s a waste of time,and it doesn’t work.By: Zunair Sheikh // T.i.P. WriterThis speech was delivered at TeenEmpowerment’s 12th Annual YouthPeace Conference.When I was 12 my family moved toBoston from Pakistan because myfather saw it as a place for a betterlife. Life was good at first. I went to abetter school, had better health care, andmy family was much better off than wehad been in Pakistan. It seemed like thesacrifices we made leaving family membersbehind, and being cut off from ourroots were worth it. This choice is thesame one millions of immigrant familieshad to make. Still, immigrants fromVietnam and Cambodia, El Salvador,Africa and Eastern Europe have madethis country great, building the economywhile making the culture more diverse.But all of us have suffered the injusticesof racism and oppression as we strive tomake our American dream a reality.When September 11 happened ourworld changed. My father’s businessesstarted to lose money, and worse thanthat, we had become targets for anti-Muslim hatred. This caused us to dosomething that hurt deeply. My fatherasked us to conceal our religion. My religionis part of me. It guides my decisions,and is an expression of who I am as muchas anything else. In Islam, men traditionallygrow out their beards, but my fatherhas asked me not to. My brother had afull beard when 9/11 happened, and myfather made him cut it off. This is sadbecause America is supposed to be theland of freedom. And Muslims are not theonly ones who suffer. There is no freedomwhen any people are being judged bytheir color or their religion.America is my home. I want to live herefor the rest of my life, but I want the freedomto live as myself, without having tochange who I am. We shouldn’t be afraid.We must appreciate and protect eachother. Most of all, we must realize “we areall in this together.”BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004 | 7

T.i.P.Boston’s teen apprenticesAsk most people what it's like to be an apprentice and you'll hear about competitionin the boardroom, getting fired and, for one lucky person, winning a dream job and abig salary with Donald Trump. In Boston, teens gained incredible experience lastsummer far from the glare of the TV cameras. Meet them.You’re NT firedWHO:Dwayne Ward, 17,Madison Park High SchoolWHAT:Works for the NationalBlack College Alliance asa MVP (Mentor, Volunteer,and Participate) student inthe Academic Program.Dwayne takes classes toprepare for college andvolunteers as a mentor.WHEN:Summer ‘04WHERE:DNC, BostonWHY:He got his job by callingthe Mayor’s Hope Line. Helikes participating in thecommunity.FUTURE PLANS:To go to Clarke AtlantaUniversity or MorehouseCollege; continue basketball;own a business.Interviewer:Cameron PerryPhotographer:Bianca McConnicoWHO:Natasha Seirra, 15,Madison Park High SchoolWHAT:Worked for the CleanTeam. Their job is to goout into the city and judgebusinesses by their cleanlinessand alert those thatneed to be fixed up.WHEN:Summer ‘04WHERE:Dudley SquareWHY:“I like working to makeDudley nice for all toenjoy,” she says.FUTURE GOALS:To go to college and medicalschool. “My greatgrandmotherwas a wellknownnurse in PuertoRico; I want to follow inher footsteps.”Interviewer:Mariah WynnPhotographer:Bridget MairWHO:Hazel Pham, 15,Charlestown High SchoolWHAT:Worked as a receptionistat Youth Opportunity ofBoston. Responsibilities:phone calls and relayingmessages, greetingguests, and MicrosoftWord, Excel, andPowerPoint.WHEN:Summer ‘04WHERE:YOB, BostonWHY:She likes to meet newpeople and “dress like apro. It tells people I'mnot just an apprenticebut someone who couldmake a difference in theworld.”FUTURE GOALS:To finish high school,join the Air Force andbecome a pilot.Interviewer:Marissa McNairPhotographer:Mariah WynnWHO:Shareta Oliver, 15,Madison Park High SchoolWHAT:Worked as a receptionistat A Twist of Passionsalon. Responsibilities:answering the phone,making appointments, andgreeting customers.WHEN:Summer ‘04WHERE:Dudley SquareWHY:She was recommendedby her aunt, a hairstylist atA Twist of Passion.PAY-OFF:“I like my job. It isn’t farfrom school and the hoursare great.”Interviewer:Javier FonsecaPhotographer:Chandra BesongWHO:Chanel Bethea, 16,East Boston High SchoolWHAT:Worked for YouthOpportunity of Boston(YO Boston) as aTransitional EmploymentServices (TES) counselor.Responsibilities: to guidehigh school students injob training.WHEN:Summer ‘04WHERE:YO BostonWHY:“I like helping otherpeople.”FUTURE GOALS:College and nursingschool.Interviewer:Sheldon CostaPhotographer:Mariah WynnWHO:Chantee Antar-Joyner, 14Sharon High SchoolWHAT:Worked for NationalBlack College Alliance(NBCA) as a mentor andvolunteer. Responsiblefor mentoring youngerstudents and takingcollege prep classes.WHEN:Summer ‘04WHERE:NBCA,Washington St., BostonWHY:She got her job throughYouth Opportunity.Interviewer:Bridget MairPhotographer: Ben Sloat8 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004* Interviews conducted by Arts in Progress

T.i.P.TOP 5 THINGS ABOUT BEING A JOURNALIST1.You get to ask the tough questions and be nosy2. It’s a rush to get the news first3. Always writing, always learning4. Meeting and listening to people5. Going to different placesPhoto: Amy Lantinga/WriteBostonCaroline Knapp Interns at areception at the Harvard Club.PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT:Daniela CakoSharmah Saunders,Monique Kelly,Deanna Henson, andKnapp’s young niece.You’re hiredMy summer as a Globe apprenticeBy: Daniela Cako // T.i.P. WriterA week at the Boston HeraldBy: Deanna Henson // T.i.P. WriterWhen I heard about the Caroline KnappJournalism Internship, which provideshigh school students the opportunity tointern at a newspaper, I thought, “Whynot?” I have always loved writing becauseit’s a way for me to express myself. Also,I believe media is a powerful tool toinform people about the world aroundthem. Since the newspaper is only minutesfrom my house, I would look at thisglass-covered building as I passed andthink whoever works there is lucky.Now I work inside the building and Ilove every minute.There are many parts of my job. One isanswering phone calls that come into thecity desk. I also gather information fromthe public for stories to be put in thenewspaper, or I transfer people to otherlines for help. I look up information, readThe Boston Globe, and have a bizarrefeeling of happiness as I work.Sometimes something major happens,and I get first hand information on whatwill go in tomorrow’s paper, which isexciting. One thing I’ve learned thathelps reporters is getting all the informationabout everything. Asking questionsis the major quality that a reporter has tohave, and I love asking questions. My jobmakes me feel as though I am part of givingpeople the news, like I am in touchwith the world.I was excited to start my internship atthe Boston Herald. I had no idea what toexpect because it was my first time as anintern and I have never worked at anewspaper. I arrived a half hour early.Another Caroline Knapp intern and Iwere taken upstairs to meet Mike Bello.We were brought to the City Desk. Ourfirst assignment was to learn how towrite an obituary. I was nervous becauseI didn’t want to mess it up.After being taught how to write an obituary,I was asked if it creeped me out. Tobe honest, I thought of it as writing a briefbiography of someone’s life. It was interestingto learn how they lived and died.Sharmah and I were then instructedto go out to do man-on-the-street assignments.That’s where we had to ask 10people about their feelings on presidentialand vice-presidential candidates JohnKerry and John Edwards. That was funbecause we got to get people’s opinionsand reactions on the question.One day, Sharmah and I were invitedto go with Pete Gelzinis to the BasketballHall of Fame in Springfield, where BillCosby was being honored. After the ceremony,there was a press conference onthe second floor where Cosby went onto explain more of his feelings aboutAfrican-American children.Nervous, excited as an internBy: Monique Kelly // T.i.P. WriterReal world experienceBy: Sharmah Saunders // T.i.P. WriterThe first couple of weeks at the JamaicaPlain Gazette flew by. The staff waspatient and nice; even visitors greeted mewith a handshake. I was surprised at howfast I caught on. The second day I wasanswering phones and typing. I helpedcreate drawings of advertisements in thepaper. I typed police reports and articlesfrom guest writers, as well as my writing,such as one article “Funding cuts hurtschools.” I was in charge of readingbooks by local authors and interviewingthem about their careers. I was treatedlike a staff member and included in partiesand other events. I was even invitedto delegate parties during the DNC!For the past couple of weeks I haveworked as an intern at the Boston Herald.This has been an amazing experience andI’ve had the privilege of working with anumber of talented reporters and photographers.I truly appreciate this experiencebecause only so much can be learned inschool. Internships allow students to getfirsthand experience in the work field andcome in contact with real people and realsituations. What better way to help someoneprepare for their future than by givingthem real experiences.BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004 | 9

Touring Fenway in the rainBy: Laurys Abreu // T.i.P. Staff WriterIT WAS A RAINY DAY at FenwayPark, but I could see the Red Soxplaying, even though they weren’treally there. From the .406 Clubwhere rich people sit to watch theRed Sox games, I could see the redseat that marks where the longesthome run was hit on June 9, 1946.Ted Williams, the greatest hitterever, hit that homerun 502 feet intoFenway. While the greatest playerbegan running, the ball struckJoseph Boucher, a Yankees fan, andknocked him out cold. I guess thatball knocked some sense into Mr.Boucher because after that, hebecame a Red Sox fan. Mr.Boucher’s red seat commemoratesTed Williams, Fenway Park’s greatestplayer, who died July 5, 2002.From the new seats in right field,I could see the pitcher’s moundwhere I imagine Pedro Martinezstriking out his opponents. The moundwas covered by protective plasticagainst the rain. The field was cleanand the grass was cut to perfection.From this vantage point I could seethe Green Monster seats, the “hottest”new seats in the park. The Monsterseats can only be won through a lotterysystem.The restaurant in the stadium wascomfortable. Each room is divided intosections so that not many people werein one room. The chairs had cushions,and the tables were clean with asmooth tablecloth. The utensils wereclean and wrapped in a long red cloththat was used as a napkin. The restaurantalso had good food and service.Going on a Fenway Park tour on arainy day when the stadium is empty isa surprising treat. Fenway is a placewhere people have fun and enjoywatching games in comfort and style.T.i.P.Behthe ScenesDCA park without playersBy: Shanemma Moody // T.i.P. Staff WriterEAT.i.P staff touringFenway Park.Photo keyJonathan Banks: D, E, G, JJulia Asherman: B, C, F, IShawn McLaughlin: A, HBA QUIET BALLPARK is no fun! Peopledon’t want to hear only the voice of thetour guide while he guides them on theirway or the thumps on the floor as theywalk the hall. Nor do people want to hearraindrops beating on the windowpanes.Instead they would like to hear fanscheering and fighting over a foul ball.They would prefer to hear the crack ofthe bat when a player hits a ball out of thepark. I know I would prefer to hear theman on the speaker saying, “Oh! And hehits it out of the park” instead of the tourguide’s voice saying, “And on the right isFenway Hall of Fame.”The only thing I saw on my trip toFenway Park was an empty field coveredin plastic so it would not get wet by therain. I myself would rather see playersrunning bases. There were no fansscreaming and yelling or trying to catch afoul ball. There was just silence: completequiet and emptiness.J10 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004

inD indat FenwayT.i.P.HIFGFenway: the granddaddy of parksBy: Kareem James // T.i.P. Staff WriterHAVE YOU EVER gone on a tour ofFenway Park, the granddaddy of parks?I had the opportunity to go on a tour,and it changed my perception of baseball.I wasn’t a baseball fan before Itoured Fenway last July. Now, I followRed Sox games.I had anticipated the tour. I imaginedthe crowd waiting to take their seats.But when I arrived at the gates of thepark, I was shocked by what I saw.Fenway was a ghost town. The Red Soxwere out of town for the All-Star week.There were no people walking aroundgetting food, no people yelling out tobuy merchandise, not even the smell ofcooking hot dogs.Our tour guide, Randy, led us to thenew right field attraction, the roof deckseats. We had a great view of the park.What surprised me most about the roofbar was that it was made out of an oldbowling alley lane and recycled bricks.Entering the press box, I was amazedby the view of the field. I saw manyempty seats. Randy told us this is wherereporters from different newspapers,like The Boston Globe and the BostonHerald, come and watch the game sothey can report back. When done withthe pressroom, we were taken to the.406 Club. Entering the room, I felt likeroyalty. Pictures and paraphernalia ofplayers covered the walls, the gleamingbar stood ready for drink orders, a longtable welcomed diners, and upholsteredseats awaited the fortunate and fewspectators that can claim them. To claima .406 Club seat, you have to be a memberat the price of four seats for threeseasons–about $100,000.Fenway is still a wonderful park forthe rest of us. The park’s history makesit special. In the future, I hope Fenwayremains as it is–the granddaddy of parks.BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004 | 11

SummerSummerSummerT.i.P.IN THE CITYPicture it. 10 a.m. on aTEENS ON THE BEAThot morning at QuincyMarket. T.i.P. reportersmet some faces in thecrowd to get their takeon summer in the Bean.Artwork: Stanley Sanon / Artists for HumanityCop loves challengesBy: Divah Payne // T.i.P. Staff WriterPolice officer Wilfredo Carianosays his job is challenging,but he likes what he does.The Boston native has workedat police headquarters for11 years.During the summer, thingsget crazy in the city, says Cariano. Young peopleare out of school, hanging out, and partying.“Everyone’s outside in the summer. It’s hardwhen it comes to safety.” As someone who grewup in Boston, there are lots of things OfficerCariano likes about the city, including dining atlocal restaurants. “I like the ice cream!”He’s Boston’s CEOBy: Genta Spaho // T.i.P. Staff WriterMayor Menino loves his job.“You get to make a difference inpeople’s lives every day.” Asmayor, Menino sets budgets andpolicies that affect the citizensof the city. “It’s the best job inAmerica,” he says.To relax, Menino goes to Franklin Park forpeace and quiet on the golf course. “It’s me andthat little ball, trying to get it in that little hole,”he says. The Mayor loves Boston in the summer,enjoying Monday night movies, Thursday nightconcerts in Copley Square, cookouts, and blockparties. Although Menino enjoys his job, no job isperfect. What he most dislikes about being Mayoris cocktail parties. “ I’d rather go to a communitymeeting and get beat up than go to a cocktailparty,” he says. But the Mayor says he lovesmeeting people, which was obvious the day hetalked with T.i.P.He works hard, plays hardBy: Jananya Ephraim // T.i.P. Staff WriterLeroy Suneus is enrolled in a post high schooltech program for two years,including summers. He valueseducation and thinksBoston is a great city foryouth to pursue their studiesbecause there are so manygood schools. Despite theeducational opportunities, hePhoto: Janenya EphraimPhoto: Kelly Knopf-GoldnerPhoto: Ifanyi Bellsays Boston is not a fun city. “There’s nothing to do.”His technical school program includes a summerjob at Home Depot, but that’s not all. For fun, Leroyspends his time hanging out with friends, playingbasketball, and going to the movies and clubs.His mother thinks he’s specialBy: Joshua Vaughn // T.i.P. Staff WriterNick Taz stood out in Faneuil Hallfor one reason–his shirt. It had anugly monkey with huge eyes and acomment that said, “My motheralways said I was special.” Taz, 13,of Norwell, spends his summerswith his family. They hang out, goto the beach, and come intoBoston to eat at places like Quincy Market.During summer, he also goes to a hockey andlacrosse day camp where he helps little kids. He alsolikes spending his free summer hours at the movies.Recent movies he’s seen include “Dodge Ball: A TrueUnderdog’s Story” and “Spider-Man 2.” He says, “Irecommend [these movies] to other kids.”Standing confidently, Taz seemed like he wasreading a script. Here’s a T.i.P. prediction. His selfassurednessand taste in clothing might land him ina movie some day!Dorchester teen hopes forjournalism careerBy: Kayla Falcon // T.i.P Staff WriterWendy Nunez, 15, of Dorchester,has a busier life than most teens.She attends a journalism program,works, plays softball, and managesto make time for friends andfamily. Her typical summer day:attending the WriteBoston program,working at the BlackstoneCommunity Center, and playing softball.One experience Wendy recalls is an interview withMayor Menino. “I realized he actually does help andcare about the community,” she says.Besides WriteBoston, Wendy works at BlackstoneCommunity Center in the South End from 1-6 p.m.“I get paid $7.50 an hour for answering phones andtaking messages,” she says.The last part of Wendy’s weekday is attendingsoftball practice for the Astros in the South End.“Our team isn’t all that great, but Astros all the way,woo!” she says.Photo: Kelly Knopf-Goldner Photo: Josh Vaughn12 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT SPRING 2004

T.i.P.Cheerleader loves to danceBy: Laurys Abreu // T.i.P. Staff Writer“Dancing is my life,” says Alicia T. as she andher friends walk around Quincy Market. Alicia,17, is from North Reading. Her birthday isFebruary 8, which she shares with her twin sisterJessica. No surprise, Alicia is a cheerleader aswell as a dancer.Alicia is what you would expect in a cheerleader:down-to-earth, friendly, and talkative.Being outgoing is helpful as a cheerleader, shesays, as is her work with kids. Alicia baby-sitsthree little kids next door. “I love lil’ kids,” shesays. She believes baby-sitting will help her preparefor her future as a teacher.A tourist in the crowdBy: Leona Alston // T.i.P. Staff WriterIf you live in Boston, it’s easy toforget that places like Faneuil Hallare tourist attractions. MelonyBrown, 15, is one of the touristswho recently visited. Faneuil Hall.“I love the vendors,” she says.Although Melony is from NewYork, she uses the MBTA. When asked if she’dmind if officers checked her bags, she said, “Ifthey are going to go through my bag thoroughly,I will mind. I have the right to privacy.” T.i.P.suggests MBTA officials be aware of tourists’opinions, so visitors like Melony will continueto use the T.A secret Yankees fanBy: Manny Nieves // T.i.P. Staff WriterMeet Victoria Hartly, a friendly, talkative personfrom Attleboro. This summer she was a counselor-in-trainingat Camp Meadowcroft inNorwell, where she hopes to work next year asa counselor. On time off she hangs at the beach,goes to the park, and sees movies.She also enjoys going to baseball games. Whenasked about this year’s Red Sox, she says, “I don’tknow. Secretly, I’m a Yankee fan.” Surprising, consideringshe had on a Red Sox visor.Photo: Jac-Lynn StarkLoves his Red SoxBy: Marquie Cooper // TiP Staff WriterChris Hawkes, 15, loves the Red Sox.And if his Red Sox cap and shirt arenot enough to prove his love of theteam, when the Sox play on weekends,his family drives from Maine towatch them play. Chris has a job at apet store because he loves animals.But he’d rather play baseball. “When I get older, Iwant to play for the Red Sox,” he says. In his freetime, he hangs with friends and plays sports.Busy, Boston teenBy: Shakemia Shaw // T.i.P. Staff WriterLaurys Abreu, a Cancer, was born on June 23, 1989.Since hers is a summer birthday, she has a cookoutparty. Last summer was packed for Laurys, 15, ofMission Park. She attended WriteBoston’s JournalismInstitute, interviewed people around Boston, andwrote stories for the Boston Globe’s T.i.P..Laurys also dances with a group called RobertoClemente 21. In her dance group, Laurys is a batontwirler (“batutera”). In order to go to dancing classes,she needs to earn money, so Laurys baby-sits onthe weekends. She gets paid $40 each time.She finds time for vacation. The best vacation sheever went on was a road trip to New York, NewJersey, and Washington, D.C. This summer, she wentto the Dominican Republic when camp ended.His job: giving out free gumBy: Shanemma Moody // T.i.P. Staff WriterMike Halliburton,17, lives in SanDiego. This summer he worked forthe company On-site. His job is todo promotion for different companies;now he is in Boston workingfor Chiclets.In a yellow Chiclets shirt andjeans, Mike was giving out free gum in front ofFaneuil Hall and trying to recruit people to come to atalent show later that day. The crowd took the gum,but they weren’t going for the show. Yet it was stillMike’s job, so he did it whether he wanted to or not.A traveling CITBy: Wendy Nunez // T.i.P. Staff WriterJulie Larson, 14, while shy with herpeers and adults, is at ease with children.As a CIT (counselor in training) atCamp Meadowcroft, Julie gets to go onPhoto: Wendy NunezPhoto: Josh VaughnPhoto: Dwight Lawrencea lot of field trips with the young children shesupervises. Last summer, they came into Boston tospend the day, which ended with a trip to FenwayPark to see the Red Sox. They also traveled to thebeach and spent a day of fun at Six Flags. “The programis fun and I recommend it to anyone,” saysJulie, who hopes to be a paid counselor someday.Larson, of Marshfield, likes to spend her free timegoing to the beach, hanging out with friends, goingto the mall, and riding her bike.Theater major finds good workBy: Kareem James // T.i.P. Staff WriterWhen walking around Quincy Market,it’s easy to find teens wearing jeansand T-shirts. Not Mike Budwey. Hewears knickers, stockings and a threecornered hat. Mike, of Holliston, is atheater major at Northeastern. Heworks as a tour guide for theHistrionic Academy, a Boston theatercompany. This is a co-op, which means Mike goesto school and works part time. At his job, he dressesin clothes from the colonial times and givestours of the North End and the Freedom Trail.His roles as a student and an employee keep himbusy. He says his job will improve on his skills asan actor and enhance his experience as a theatermajor. Mike seems like the type of guy who willfollow his dreams. After all, to walk aroundQuincy Market in an outfit like that, he mustbe determined.Her goal: a jobBy: Monica Perdomo // T.i.P. Staff WriterLike every teen, Celeste Reyes of Chelsea had onesummer goal-a job. This turned outto be easy since her older sisterworks at Boston Chipyard atQuincy Market. Celeste was askedto work there after her sister recommendedher. “Coming to workisn’t that hard; in fact it is worthit.” At her job, she bakes and sellscookies. She recommends it to other teenagersbecause it is interesting and tests her skills.After work or on days off, Celeste spends timewith her mother and goes out with her friends tothe mall. She also plays sports, “mostly basketball,”she says.Photo: Divah PaynePhoto: Wendy NunezBOSTON TEENS IN PRINT SPRING 2004 | 13

SportsT.i.P.BNBL commentaryBy: Marquie Cooper // T.i.P. Staff WriterPatriots previewBy: Dwight Lawrence // T.i.P. Staff WriterThe Boston Neighborhood BasketballLeague (BNBL) is the oldest municipalbasketball league in the country.Sponsored by Reebok, it has 3,100 youngmen and women playing in three divisions:13 and under, 15 and under, and 18and under. I was looking for something todo over the summer so I joined BNBL.Looking back, I’m disappointed.The season started out well. We wonour first game, 65 to 25. The coach wasso happy he took some of the players outto eat. During our fifth game, we stoppedplaying in the second half because wewere blowing the team out 60 to 25.When the game ended, my coach wasso happy he gave us each a new pairof black and red sneakers for the nextgame. But this is when things startedto change.One problem was a lot of fights brokeout in the BNBL. One fight startedbecause a coach was talking trash toanother coach. The teams that werefighting at Peters Park, for example, hadto stop playing there for one week. Therewas also a fight at Washington Parkbetween two coaches; one of them actuallypulled out a gun. The cops camewith their guns out telling the coach toput his gun down. Everybody ranbecause they didn’t want to get shot.Another tragedy visited the BNBL. thissummer when a young coach named WillGaines was shot and killed while workingwith a team .Another problem with the BNBL. iswhen the referees don’t show up forgames. When that happens, they haveto cancel the game. This only happenedonce because the referee got marriedand the other referee was his best man.But it still made us mad.The BNBL is a good league because itkeep kids from getting into trouble, butthere are things that should be changed.The referees are volunteers, and I recommendthey pay them so they will have areason to come to the games. Of course,they also need to stop the fighting andviolence that sometimes happens atgames. We’re there to have fun, andthat, and basketball, is what it shouldbe about.Welcome back to NFL ‘04 - ‘05 season.The New England Patriotshave expanded their roster byadding Corey Dillon. His agility and speedwith the offensive line will be explosive.He has an incredible record of rushing for1000 yards in six out of his seven years. In1997, in a game against the TennesseeTitans, Dillon rushed 246 yards as a rookie.Later in his career, he shattered WalterPayton’s NFL all time single game rushingrecord. In another game against the Titans,he rushed for 278 yards, three more thanWalter Payton in 22 rushing attempts. Hewent on to have another 200 yard rushinggame later that season.All of this is good news for our hometownPats. We predict they will have alot of experience on their hands and timeto think about what plays to run withCorey Dillon. Also, Tom Brady will havea lot of pressure taken off him with thenew running game.The Patriots’ defense was great lastseason, allowing a league low of threepoints per game. The Pats did an outstandingjob winning the Super Bowlwith another kick by Adam Vinatieri. Ifthey can win the first four games of theseason they will have the longest winningstreak in NFL history. They willhave done something even the MiamiDolphins couldn’t accomplish: 19 winsin a row.Team loyalty, 24-7By: Manny Nieves // T.i.P. Staff WriterAtrue sports fan loves his teamwhether or not they have the bestrecord in the league.I can call myself a diehard Red Soxfan because I would never boo them ifthey were losing. If I were to become abaseball player, my dream would be toplay in Fenway Park wearing a Red Soxuniform, not a Yankees jersey. I wouldgive up nearly anything to see them wina World Series. I love everything aboutthem: the players; the park’s history,and, Ted Williams’s historical home runin Fenway, the we’ll never forget threewin series against the Oakland A’s in the2003 ALDS.One of my friends only likes the RedSox if they’re winning. For example,when they started off badly last year, hestarted saying bad stuff about them, like,“They suck; I don’t know why you likethem so much.” But when they made itto the playoffs, he was cheering them onlouder than me. He isn’t the only one.Other Red Sox fans have now abandonedthe team to cheer on the Yankeesbecause they’re in first place. Don’t getme wrong. The Yankees are a great teamwith an outstanding lineup. But justbecause the Yankees are good doesn’tmean I’m going to turn my back on theRed Sox.To be called a true Red Sox fan, youhave to be willing to give up your mostprized possessions, like somethingpassed down through the family for hundredsof years, just to see them win. Youmust be willing to pay a thousand dollarsto see them in a World Series. Andtruly, with all your heart, you mustdespise the Yankees and everything associatedwith that organization. That’s whatI call a true Red Sox fan.14 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004Artwork: Roman Murray / Artists for Humanity

T.i.P.Women’s sports need a chanceBy: Wendy Nunez // T.i.P. Staff WriterAccording to the 1972 Title IX law,women’s and men’s sports are tobe treated equally. For example,if a school gives men’s sports$100,000, then they must give thewomen’s sports teams the sameamount. As a female athlete, I understandthat some girls don’t want toplay sports, but I can’t stress enoughthat women should step up and playsports in school. Why? Because athleticscholarships for college go mainlyto male football, basketball, and baseballplayers. Boys get picked for collegescholarships again and again.Women don’t because they choose notto play for a variety of reasons.“I couldn’t play because there weremostly boys on the team and they didn’ttreat me equally,” argues MartineRomulus, a Boston student whoremembers her soccer experience as achild. This image girls have of sportshighlights why females should begiven equal opportunities in athletics.Boston Community Leadership Academysophomore Genta Spaho says there are“not a lot of opportunities for girls andthere are none in some schools.”My own experiences are similar. Inmy middle school, there were no sportsavailable for anyone and now in highschool there are very few teams. AtBCLA, students have to join with otherarea Boston high school teams to play.My impression is that the majority ofpeople do not really care about women’ssports. It’s time to take a stand, especiallyin the Boston schools. If your schooldoesn’t have girls’ sports, fight to establishnew teams. Women should take fulladvantage of Title IX mainly becausethis law is there to help women get anequal level of respect in athletics. Asthey say, “The squeaky wheel gets thegrease.” Let’s be that squeaky wheel andmake sure girls get in the game.Artwork: Toni Napolean / Artists for HumanityBack to school[ FROM PAGE 1 ]Some seniors are reflective, realizing howmuch they have changed as students. “In9th grade I wanted to make friends, stay atthe top of my class, and do as much as Icould to plan for college,” says David Chan,a student at Brighton High. “I've prettymuch burned out my ambition. All I wantto do now is go to school, get the grades,and sleep.”Some schools, such as BostonCommunity Leadership Academy, are experiencingchanges. “We will be in our newhome at 20 Warren Street in Brighton,”according to Nicole Bahnam, principal. Shestressed the importance of keeping the“school doors open at all times to welcomeand work with parents, volunteers, communitymembers, and friends to BCLA.”Other high schools, such as Hyde Parkand West Roxbury, will spend the '04-'05school year planning to be broken downinto small schools, and schools likeO'Bryant are facing the effects of tightenedfunding. “O'Bryant is going to loseits top floor because of a 14 percent cutin our school budget,” says Richard Lin,a student there.Changes are happening to the MCASas well, with a new science componentbeing added to the test. Also the SATwill include more writing this year.Superintendent Thomas W. Payzantsays he looks forward to the beginningof the semester. “The opening of schoolis often the best time of year for mebecause I get to visit a lot of schools andmeet with a lot of students,” he says.A montage of signs welcomes studentsback to Boston’s high schoolsWOMEN’S SPORTS FOUNDATION CITESBENEFITS FOR GIRLS:Girls who play sports have a higher self-esteem than those who don’t.• Teen female athletes are about half as likely to get pregnantas non-athletic females.• Females who play sports miss fewer days of work or school.• Females who play sports on a regular basis are healthy and fit.• Female college students who are not athletes are 75% more likelyto report suicidal behaviors than female college athletes.• Highly active girls are less than 50% as likely as non-active/athleticgirls to smoke.Photo montage: Artists for HumanityBOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004 | 15

T.i.P.RIGHT BRAIN STUFFCreepy, scaryLady in Blackhaunts GeorgesIslandBy: Laurys Abreu // T.i.P. Staff WriterDo you believe in ghosts? George’sIsland, in Boston Harbor, is where youmight see one. Melanie, “The Lady inBlack,” is buried there and peoplebelieve she haunts George’s Island.During the Civil War, Confederatesoldiers were held prisoner in FortWarren on George’s Island. AConfederate soldier was sent therewith 10 of his men who were captured.Three weeks later, the soldier’s wife,Melanie, devised a plan to help herhusband escape.Melanie stayed with her relatives inHull. She disguised herself as a manand, carrying a pepper pistol box, wentunderground to build a tunnel. But shehit a water pipe and attracted theattention of one of the soldiers whoheard and told the commander. Thecommander asked for a head countand noticed 10 men were missing. Hethen asked the guards to look at thecells who reported 10 men gone.The commander found the tunnelwhere Melanie had tucked the menand her husband. The commanderyelled, “Come out now or I’ll close thetunnel and that will be your doom.”Melanie told the men to go out of thetunnel ahead of her. “Let these men goor I’ll shoot,” she said. The commanderwalked in the tunnel and smacked thepepper pistol box out of her hand.When the box landed, it exploded andshot her husband in the head; he died infront of her. She was tried as a spy. As alast wish before she was hanged, sheArtwork: Brandan Powers / Artists for Humanityasked to be dressed as a woman. She washanged in what is now the picnic area withblack curtains around her. That’s how shegot her name “The Lady in Black.”Ever since her execution, the prisonersand the soldiers complained they heardmoaning at night and saw footprints in thesnow in winter. Is there a ghost on George’sIsland? Go see!TEEN POETRY SOCIETYDo you write poetry? Maybe youwant to share your work withT.i.P. readers. Send your poems to:Chapter 1:Love at First SightBy: Manny Nieves //T.i.P. Staff WriterGazing upon your beautiful brown eyes,while you’re waving your seductive brown hair.Your beauty runs from your head to your thighs,then I begin wondering why you’re here.You’re an angel that escaped golden gates, justone touch of your hands makes me tremble.I am sure that meeting you was my fate‘Cause the girl of my dreams you resemble.The thought of you is driving me insane,you’ve abducted my brain and have it chained.My heart is no longer mine thanks to you,you’ve hijacked it and let nothing in.So I wrote this poem to let you know,that I have fallen deep in love with you.Artwork: Cassandra Lattimore / Artists for HumanityKelly Knopf-Goldner atWriteBoston2201 Washington St.Roxbury, MA 02119www.WriteBoston.org and click on the link for Boston T.i.P.16 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004

T.i.P.Last ThoughtsBy: Michael Smith // T.i.P. Staff WriterLook into my eyes, tell me whatyou seeThe look of an emotionallytroubled personTears fall from the corners of my faceAnd leave a spiritually permanent markon the concreteDo you think I will stay a slaveI am no longer entangled inyour captivityA strong human being has emergedfrom depthsAs I am no longer worried aboutlights and daysI’ve seen enough of life to make myconclusionThey say we can never escape fateEven that doesn’t matter any moreLife, to me, has become an illusionI ask many questions, what comesafter deathAs I am being held at gun pointBut again I disregard that thoughtAs the bullet plunges in my chestArtwork: Roman Murray / Artists for HumanityBy: Phil Donahue, Leona Alston,Shakemia Shaw and Jananya Ephraim //T.i.P. Staff WritersARIES(March 21–April 19):Symbol: The RamStrengths: Energetic, bold, courageousWeaknesses: Impulsive, egotisticalLove: An old fling may talk his or herway into your life. Beware. It may not bea happy reunion.Must-do for fall: Take your energy anduse it for good – volunteer, read to ayounger sibling.TAURUS(April 20–May 19):Symbol: The BullStrengths: Faithful, inventive, patientWeaknesses: Obstinate, self-indulgentLove: You might run into someone youdidn’t expect to see for a very long time.Must-do for fall: Shop for somethingexciting; break out of your normally conservativenature and have some fun!GEMINI(May 20–June 20):Symbol: The TwinsStrengths: Curious, versatile, broadmindedWeaknesses: Impatient, a gossip, fickleLove: Be honest with your significantother, don’t just repeat what you thinkthey want to hear.Must-do for fall: You have the gift of gab.Use it to your advantage by joining agroup where you can show off youramazing ability to captivate an audience.CANCER(June 21– July 22):Symbol: The CrabStrengths: Kind, intuitive, protectingWeaknesses: Easily hurt, jealous, possessive,crankyLove: Don’t hold grudges; your significantother didn’t mean to be insensitive.HoroscopesMust-do for fall: The first day of school isnot the time to be crabby – come out ofyour shell!LEO(July 23 – Aug. 22):Symbol: The LionStrengths: Loyal, generous, responsibleWeaknesses: Arrogant, boastful, obstinateLove: Do something generous for yoursignificant other.Must-do for fall: Don’t just go for appearances;be the lively, friendly person everyoneknows you are.VIRGO(Aug. 23– Sept. 21):Symbol: The MaidenStrengths: Health conscious, helpful,sympatheticWeaknesses: Critical, demanding, untidyLove: Don’t be too picky about thoseinterested in you. You may be surprisedat who you find.Must-do for fall: Your new diet and exerciseregimen is a positive change; Don’tbe too critical of yourself if you don’tmeet your goals.LIBRA(Sept. 23 - Oct. 22):Symbol: The ScalesStrengths: Artistic, romantic, charming,intellectualWeaknesses: Flirtatious, egotistical, vain,manipulativeLove: Try not to keep things inside withyour significant other; avoiding confrontationcould lead to a bigger problemdown the road.Must-do for fall: Figure out what a projectneeds and then convince your classmatesto help you get the job done!SCORPIO(Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):Symbol: The ScorpionStrengths: Intense, protectiveWeaknesses: Secretive, jealousLove: You’ll be green with envy whenyou find someone close to you gettingclose to someone else. Don’t let it get thebest of you.Must-do for fall: Focus on school! Don’tlet social situations interfere with yourchances of getting good marks this earlyin the year.SAGITTARIUS(Nov. 22 - Dec. 21):Symbol: The ArcherStrengths: Inspiring, spiritual, enthusiasticWeaknesses: Impatient, argumentative,fears responsibilityLove: You see the best in your significantother; don’t let your fear of commitmentprevent him/her from seeing the bestin you.Must-do for fall: Harness your restlessenergy; Concentrate on independentprojects.CAPRICORN(Dec. 22 – Jan. 21):Symbol: The GoatStrengths: Diligent, has high standards,scrupulousWeaknesses: Egotistical, fatalistic,stubbornLove: Socialize in school; it will drawsomeone to you who will have a bigimpact on your future.Must-do for fall: Gather all the importantinformation in school you can.AQUARIUS(Jan. 22 – Feb. 21):Symbol: The Water BearerStrengths: Inventive, caring, logicalWeaknesses: Self-absorbed, rude, prone toeccentricityLove: Take care of yourself; your significantother can look after him/herself.Must-do for fall: Sign up for somethingyou’ve never done; it could be beneficial.PISCES(Feb. 20 – March 20):Symbol: The FishStrengths: Creative, compassionate, kindWeaknesses: Self-pitying, self blaming,unrealisticLove: Don’t jump to conclusions; A friendyou’ve known for a while could help witha personal issue.Must-do for fall: Don’t let schoolwork sufferbecause you’re too wrapped up inother’s problems.BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004 | 17

T.i.P.ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENTFall movie previewBy: Joshua Vaughn // T.i.P. Staff WriterSome of the anticipated movies of the fall are expectedto be blockbusters.One “must-see” is based on an Atari adventure game,“Alone in the Dark.” This is one of those movies basedon a good game and reinvented by DreamWorks into a(hopefully) great movie. “Alone in the Dark” starsChristian Slater as Private Investigator Edward Carnbywho tries to solve a supernatural mystery from his pastthat may get him killed. Tara Reid and Stephen Dorffcostar. This movie is set to be released October 10.In “Alexander,” Colin Farrell plays the Macedonianleader who conquered over 90 percent of the knownworld in the fourth century B.C. The film highlights hismilitary battles as well as his tortured personal life.Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer costar. “Alexander” is setto be released on November 5.One of the most anticipated horror movies is “TheRing 2.” Naomi Watts returns in the role of RachelKeller, who with her son, Aidan, played by DavidDorfman, has moved to a peaceful mountain town whereshe discovers a teen’s death could possibly be linked tothe murderous tape from the first film. When Aidan suddenlybecomes ill, Rachel travels back to Seattle toinvestigate Samara Morgan’s past. Sissy Spacek andSimon Baker costar. “The Ring 2” debuts November 10.Other openings to look for this fall: “Shadows,” October8; “Lightning In A Bottle,” October 15; “Team America,”October 22; and "Seed of Chucky," November 10.Book review:“Keeping You a Secret”By: Stephanie Carvajal // T.i.P. Writer“Keeping You a Secret” (by Julie Ann Peters, LittleBrown and Company, 2003) is a story about HollandJagger, a senior in high school who is expected to liveup to her mother’s expectations. Just like every “regular”teen girl, she’s supposed to fall in love and get marriedto a guy. But when she meets Cece her life changes forever.Holland worries she may not get the approval ofeveryone she loves. And keeping her relationship asecret may be the hardest secret to keep.Holland, for the time being, has a perfect life: a lovingmother and little sister and a caring boyfriend. Anexchange student named Cece arrives and Holland subconsciouslyfinds her attractive and falls for her. Hollandnotices Cece’s shirts which brightly say “I M R U.” Oncethey start becoming friends Holland grasps what itmeans: Cece is an out-and-proud lesbian. Finally,Holland realizes she is too.Unfortunately, this news doesn’t go over well with herfamily or friends. Holland ends up thrown out of herhouse and having no friends, except for Cece. Hollandfinds a way to become content with herself. Althoughshe and her mother never reconcile, in the end it’s still aArtwork: Joel Lewis / Artists for Humanitysomewhat happy ending.This book is different than others I’ve read. The titlecaught my attention, and so did the plot. This book alsohas many messages. One of them is that things don’talways go as planned. I also like that the author includeddiscrimination in the story. Although it was sad thatCece had to endure such hatred as name calling, it madethe story real.Overall, this book was great. It made me look at mylife differently. Holland can probably relate to plenty ofother teen girls as well. We are all trying to find ourselves.We lose and gain friends in the process, but it isall part of life and learning. And many of us feel like wehave to live up to our parents’ expectations. I highly recommendthis book to any teen girl.CD review: JoJoBy: Leona Alston // T.i.P. Staff WriterJoJo is a hot new pop artist from Boston. Only 13, shewas signed to Blackground Records. Her self-titled CDcontains 14 tracks. My favorite track is ”Leave (GetOut)”. This is her first single. This track is hot because ithas a nice beat and strong lyrics such as: “Get out rightnow/ it’s the end of you and me!”Track two, “Baby It’s You,” is an upbeat song talkingabout why everyone is trying to act like celebrities. Shesings, “Can somebody explain to me/ why everybody istrying to be/ living like a celebrity/ doing what they seeon MTV.” I like this song because it talks about a girlwho loves a guy not for his money but for who he is.“You ain’t got to buy nothing,/ it’s not what I want baby/it’s you,” sends out a clear message that money can’tbuy you love.Another track, “Fairy Tales,” is a slow song. The lyricsthat made me love this song are: “Twinkle, twinkle littlestar/ why do my dreams seem so far/ up above theworld so high/ can’t somebody tell me why.”If you like the single “Leave,” there’s more wherethat came from.Free stuff.......wastes one teen’s timeBy: Phil Donahue // T.i.P. Staff Writer“If it’s free, it’s for me.” So when I heard that therewould be a free concert at the Hatch Shell I made plansto attend.The younger sister of Jessica Simpson, Ashlee, washeadlining the event. Also performing were two up-andcomers,Skye Sweetnum, a mini Avril Lavigne, and TheClick, a local band similar to Simple Plan.I arrived to find a mob. Many of the audience paradedaround in home made Ashlee Simpson T-shirts. I managedto find a place in the fourth row. I stood and waitedfor about an hour before the up-and-comers did theirsound checks. That was, um, entertaining.After sound checks, there was a competition to be in aHillary Duff video. Girls were picked out of the audienceand put into pairs. They were given a T-shirt that wastied in knots and were told to untie it and put it on theirpartner without using their hands. The girls went at it.They were biting at the shirts with their teeth to be in avideo that would probably end up being edited out.Finally a team won-by cheating. I didn’t care. I wasglad the chewing was over. Then I was stuck waitingeven more. During a half hour fashion show, I calculatedI had been standing for more than four hours. Finally aband came out. The Click wasn’t half bad. There was abeach ball bouncing person to person in the audience.The Click wrapped up their set and Skye Sweetnum tookover.Over five hours I had been standing and still noAshlee, just a wannabe Avril. Even the bouncing ballgame ended. I needed to take a seat. I walked away fromthe mob of homemade T-shirts. I went to the far back ofthe grassy plain covered by people. I was going to buysome water, but it was three dollars an ounce.I was frustrated, exhausted, and my feet ached. Idecided to head home just as the hour-and-a-half lateAshlee Simpson was beginning her performance.The lesson: Although I didn’t waste any money, I wasteda lot of time.18 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004

T.i.P.ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENTFall TV Round-Up: The old, the new, and the canceledPhil Donahue // T.i.P. Staff WriterNetwork Returning favorites Next big thing Reality check Say goodbyeCBSJoan of Arcadia(Fri. @ 8)CSI(Thurs. @ 9)CSI New York: (Wed. @ 10)The original was successful due to huge ratings. The Miamispin-off added to the success and is maintaining. This extensionof the franchise is sure to have the same positive result.Amazing Race 6(Sat. @ 9)Survivor: Vanuatu(Thurs. @ 8)BeckerStar SearchThe GuardianABCMy Wife and Kids(Tue. @ 8)Alias(Sun. @ 9 startingmid-season)Lost: (Wed. @ 8) A series that revolves around a group of 48plane crash survivors and the lives they build on a desertedisland. Sounds like an interesting premise.Extreme Makeover(Thurs. @ 8)I’m With HerLife with BonnieThe Practice (there will be aspin-off called Boston Legal)NBCLas Vegas(Mon. @ 9)Scrubs(Tue. @ 9:30)Joey: (Thurs. @ 8) A spawn of Friends, a mega hit sitcom.It’s a no brainer it will be a success. But will Joey top itsparent show?The Apprentice(Thurs. @ 9)Average Joe(Tue. @ 8)Happy FamilyThe Tracy Morgan ShowWhoopiFear Factor(Mon. @ 8)FOXThe O.C.(Thurs. @ 8)That 70’s Show(Wed. @ 8)24(Uninterrupted Tue. @ 9)Athens: (Mon. @ 8) Another show from the creators ofThe O.C. But a more mature version. Set in the fictional townof Athens. The focus is on college students instead of teens.American Idol(Tue. @ 8)Boston PublicWanda at LargeTHE WBCharmed(Sun. @ 8)Smallville(Wed. @ 8)One Tree Hill(Tue. @ 9 )Jack and Bobby: (Sun. @ 9) The show illustrates the lives oftwo teenage boys---one bound to become the president of theUnited States.Stay tuned...Like FamilyAll About the AndersonsThe Jamie KennedyExperimentUPNEve(Tue. @ 8:30)All of Us(Tue. @ 8)Kevin Hill: (Wed. @ 9) Promises to be the first successfuldrama ever, outside the Star Trek franchise, for UPN. TayeDiggs stars as an entertainment lawyer at the top of his gamegiven his cousin’s baby to raise after she dies.America’s Next Top Model(Wed. @ 8)The MulletsRock Me Baby* Information compiled at http://tv.zap2it.com and http://www.e!online.comDo you want to get involved this year? Do you want to make a difference?Well…Here’s your chance!!The SCI Dorchester Youth Council is looking fortalented, motivated, energetic youth to cometogether and enjoy their time as we all help to tryto improve the Dorchester community in any waywe can…and we need YOUR help!Join us as we prepare tostand up and act loud.If you …• Are a middle school / high school resident of theDorchester neighborhood• Are interested in developing leadership skills andmaking a difference in the community• Have an ability to work independently and cooperativelywith a diverse group of youth• Are looking for an opportunity to get involved withsomething that you can be proud of• Enjoy participating in community activities andwould like to plan your own• Are willing to dedicate 6-8 hours a month in order tobetter the neighborhood around you• Are able to commit yourself for at least one full year• Have parental permissionIf you might be interested, or haveany questions, please contact:Ivan Hauck @ 617.474.1422or ihauck@scidorchester.orgBOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004 | 19

T.i.P.Study: sex ed worksBy: Martine Romulus andKelly Knopf-Goldner // T.i.P. Staff WritersNo one can stop teens from having sex but teens.People can educate teens about the risks of sexualactivity, but when it comes to that critical momentin an intimate relationship, each teen must make her-orhis-own choice. The bottom line: if you choose to havesex, you’d better be prepared.So says Advocates for Youth, a national, nonprofitgroup. They recently completed a study of effective sexeducation programs around the country, and the resultsshow teens have the power to stop themselves from gettingpregnant or catching STIs (Sexually TransmittedInfections) if they are trained and educated on the topic.Two important conclusions from the study are that sexeducation only works when it changes behavior, not justattitude, and that sex education must be long term andthe lessons reinforced.“Young people need to be prepared, responsible andarmed with accurate information so that when the timecomes, they will make careful and informed decisions,”says Barbara Huberman, director of outreach andeducation at Advocacy for Youth.Comprehensive sex ed programs that work changeteens’ actions, not just their beliefs. In the study, schoolprograms like Safer Choices, Reducing the Risk, andReach for Health Community Youth Service were foundto change teens’ behavior because they involve thingslike role playing, actual trips to the store to locate andpurchase contraception, and practice with refusal skills.Other programs only affect attitude, not behavior.SEX MYTHSMYTH: If we talk about sex and contraception, teenswill do it.FACT: Sex education actually delays sexual activity andeducated teens who have sex use protection and aremore likely to avoid risky behavior.MYTH: Contraception fails; it’s not worth tryingto use it.FACT: Modern contraception is effective if usedcorrectly; even imperfect use is better than none at all.MYTH: Condoms don’t prevent STIs.FACT: They do prevent many STIs (i.e. chlamydia andgonorrhea), but only if used correctly and consistentlyMYTH: Condoms fail to prevent HIV.FACT: They don’t fail if they are used consistently andcorrectly. (A famous study of brothels in Nevada showedthat consistent and correct use of condoms resulted inan almost 0% HIV transmission rate).Artwork: Danielle Jones / Artists for Humanity“Baby, Think It Over,” for example, requires teens tobring home an expensive baby doll for a weekend. Thisprogram doesn’t produce long-term change in teens’behavior, however. Sure, teens are tired after a weekendwith a crying doll, but the next week when they’re withtheir partners and things are getting hot and heavy, theyforget all about the baby crying in the night. “Baby,Think It Over” only changes attitudes, and even thenonly temporarily, according to the study.The best strategy and the only one guaranteed to preventpregnancy and STIs is abstinence. That’s right-nosex whatsoever. But guess what? Ninety percent of peopleare not virgins when they get married. The problemwith abstinence-only sex education programs is that anyonecan make a promise. Participants pledge not to havesex until marriage. But it’s only human to break promises.In fact, “88 percent of abstinence pledgers breaktheir pledge,” according to Huberman.The Advocates for Youth study reveals that if educationstarts early and is reinforced throughout young people’slives, they are more likely to wait to have sex. Atthe very least, to have any effect on behavior, a programof at least 14 hours is necessary for teens, according tothe study. “One shot lessons won’t do the trick,”Huberman says.Kenyatta Saunders, a Community Health Educator forPlanned Parenthood, emphasizes the importance of makingthe messages real to teens. Saunders suggests roleplaying and exposure to products to equip teens withreal strategies and information. “Concrete examples puteverything in perspective,” she says.Even Hollywood is picking up advice from the study.Advocates for Youth’s Los Angeles office has begun toadvise television producers on how to be sexuallyresponsible in their programming. Shows like “Sex in theCity” have used their help already in portraying issueslike HIV testing in the TV show.20 | BOSTON TEENS IN PRINT FALL 2004