Stories of Safe and Caring Communities
 

Dear Friends and Colleagues,  

Teens around the world have been telling their poignant and personal stories in Teen Health & Wellness. Sharing challenges confronted and overcome is more than empowering; it's a way to connect with others and say, "You are not alone." It is also a simple and powerful way to build safe and caring schools and communities.

Here are some stories that moved us:

Being Adopted - Rebecca's story: "I am truly grateful I am in this world. I think of how I could have not been born and not exist, and then I think of all the other people who are adopted. Some of them don't ever meet their birth parents. I am lucky to have the parents I have. I am happy that I can feel special because, yes, I am adopted, and yes, I have met my birth mom." Read more.
 
 
Diabetes - Art's story: "My mom sacrificed her life to give me life. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1971, when she was sixteen years old. Later on, my mother was given a suggestion to not have a child, because it could endanger her life, and mine too...There have been other times where I have had to take the initiative and help out my mom. As I am nearing my final lap in my high school race, I thought about if my mom gave birth to me so I could stay and take care of her. She gave birth to me so I could experience life." Read more. 
 
 
Depression - Jazmyn's story: "I slowly fell into a pit of depression. I went from crying myself to sleep every night, to wishing that I could cry but all I could do was feel numb. I began cutting to try to relieve some emotional pain or simply feel something...One day I just looked in the mirror and said 'You know what? No one is going to respect me if I don't respect myself!" Read more.
  

Confidence - Kenna's story: "Being a chubby girl and wanting to fit in is hard. I always put myself down and held myself back because I didn't want to be made fun of or embarrass myself. It wasn't until I was in seventh grade that I realized I had to change." Read more.


Bullying - Jordan's story: "In some way, everyone has been bullied before. Whether through words or actions. Emotionally, physically, verbally, socially, or even sexually, everyone has been bullied. Most of the time, you know it, but you choose not to show your feelings. Either way, you know that what they did was wrong, and you didn't like it." Read more.
   

Self-Esteem - Alexandra's story: "I can't remember how it started, but I wouldn't be here today if it didn't end. I participated in soccer and even the school play, but somehow somewhere I was feeling more and more insecure about my appearance and who I was as a person. I actually was very close to getting an eating disorder...My advice to anyone in the same situation as I am is to tell someone, and if you can't do that, make a list of everything you find beautiful about you." Read more. 
   

Have your teens read the stories in Teen Health and Wellness and write their own. They could soon be published authors (a plus for college and job applications) and show others they are not alone.

We look forward to adding the voices of your community to Teen Health & Wellness. If you will be at OLA Super Conference (Booth #337) or ALA Midwinter (Booth #3211), please come see us.
  
  
Best Wishes,
  
Miriam and the Rosen Digital Team

Miriam Gilbert
Director, Rosen Digital
877.381.6649