by Rhonda Minton
“I won’t happen to me.”
That is the belief teenagers use today concerning pregnancy, according to Nina Jackson, coordinator of the Adolescent Pregnancy Service for the Independent School District in Fort Worth, Texas.
Jackson, along with Mary Tyler, an associate professor at ETSU-T, spoke to over 1,500 students from area high schools who attended a one-day seminar, “Teens’ Life’s Choices” on Nov. 14.
The seminar, which was held at TC Auditorium, concentrated on helping teenagers in decision-making problems, self-esteem and general health issues.
Jackson, who is known throughout Texas as a speaker of positive sex education with humor, wit and frankness, presented a four-part workshop that answered her seminar’s questions: “Why are we here?”, “How will this problem affect you?”, “What can you do about it?” and “Who is most likely to get pregnant?”
“One million girls a year will get pregnant,” Jackson said. “Girls as young as 11 and 12 years old are becoming pregnant.”
“Don’t become one of the million,” she said. “Boys and girls, be responsible,” say “NO! Ask yourself, Am I ready to become a parent?”
“Even though pregnancy lasts only nine months, you’ll be a parent the rest of your life,” the speaker said to the students.
“It takes two to tango; it takes two to support a child,” Jackson said.
Jackson warned the girls in the audience about dangers of falling for lines the boys give them. Lines such as “I’m going to love you forever” and “I’ll take care of you” are often proven untrue in the long run.
“Girls and boys, ‘I love you’ is the most misused phrase used today,” Jackson said. “Be smart, don’t fall for those lines.”
The negative outcomes of teenage pregnancy were discussed thoroughly. Unemployment, welfare, quitting school, embarrassment, and the cost of supporting a child are just a sample of the problems pregnant teenagers encounter.
“We’re here today because we don’t want this to happen to you,” Jackson said to the audience of high school students. “Say ‘NO!’ and be responsible.
Tyler presented a workshop on self-image which included discussions on stress management, creation of self-image and how to handle problems.
“One way to reduce stress is to spend time with people who make you laugh,” Tyler, who is a well-known speaker who presents proven and practical methods of success in a motivating and entertaining way, said. Another way she mentioned to reduce stress was listening to a favorite music.
Student participation, how a self-image is created, results of a poor self-esteem were topics which Tyler discussed with the audience.
“Five things to do to succeed in your life are write down your goals; daydream; do good things for yourself; allow compliments and praise; and,” she said, “last, but not least, have fun.”
“Learning ways to get support in your life and learning ways to handle stress are also important factors to consider for success,” Tyler said.
The seminar was jointly sponsored by Texarkana College’s Community Services Division and the March of Dimes.