To the Juvenile : Dream with a Plan

Dear Dreamers…

We are born different from each other. Some have money even before they were born while some have to work for it at the moment, they are capable of earning money on sidewalks. Some people are born with strict parents while others enjoy liberty. There are people who are tied to their beliefs and others are able to search for it on their own. Some are born in a safe happy family while others are simply deprived of shelter and or a family. One thing or two is most certain that we are the same: we are teens and we have dreams.

Dreams to have a blissful life, make a change in the world. We all dream about that. Some people want too much while some people want just enough, but no one's dream is to have a difficult life. So, we strive, we study in school, meet other people our age who also want to have a better future. Some of us want to have a better future with the person we know about in an early age. Feelings and naivety are all around the place.

I want this topic to be slowly digestive to my fellow teenagers. Like any other aspects in life, this blog article does not have to be an instant. We have to pause and think for a moment about an epidemic we are facing and we are highly vulnerable. It comes and when it is there, there is no coming back— it is just the before and after. It changes one's life in preparation of a growing another. This is teenage pregnancy.

Why do I even bother to discuss life differences in the first paragraph. Admit it or not, money, religion, and the concept of family has always been there and brought upon us the moment we are born. People's influence, our experience, contribute to where our life would be leading and what choices we make. We cannot blame teenage parents who did not have knowledge on what is right or wrong especially when they came from a conservative or abusive family. One’s a life is already growing, it is there. Yet, we should not always romanticize this topic just because it is here. The point is, if the society does not care enough or protect enough, then we should look after ourselves and one another.

Know that you must enjoy your single life. This is a "kill joy" truth but it is true especially for most teenage parents who on some point of their parenthood wished they did not go further down the road early. When we get older, we will have more responsibilities to carry so why carry some of it right now. Most teenage pregnancies are really unplanned and teenage parents consider themselves as still kids.

Know that sex education is your right. You have a right to know your own body and how to protect it. One misconception about a systematic gender and reproductive health education is that it would open the eyes of teenagers to the sexual activities. However, youth should learn about these things by proper scientific introductions inside educational institutions, where conducts are also taught. More and more minors use dating apps for knowledge about intimacy and relationships. It is important for youth to be educated properly rather than know things outside with their peers and older strangers who can only inform them of the pleasure and not of the protection or consequences.

Know that your own belief is valid. This is for teenagers who are pressured on doing sexual activities with their partner or adults. Consent is important in a relationship and doing things without your consent is considered an abuse. You have the right to speak up with a person you trust and you know will protect you may it be your best friend or your kind teacher.

Know that we can help other teenagers only if we have open minds. Listen and do not judge. They might already be regretting things, and blaming them will not boost their self-moral. However, introducing knowledge about contraceptives and their rights might help. The goal is to elevate them from the situation, and not humiliate them. I am sure they came to you for the right reasons and they opened up about it because they trust you.

We are all dreamers. Every goal is approached with a plan. When we grow old, someday we may help build and fulfill our own teenagers' dreams as well.