[ HAWAII’S SCHOOLS ]

Teens must consider
consequences of actions

Student Q & A
Easing the transition to English

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By Jonathan Honda
Baldwin High School

A serious challenge facing teenagers today is making the wrong choices. They don't realize that the risks they take not only affect themselves, but many others, as well.

Many teens participate in weekend parties that involve smoking, drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs. Some teens view this risky behavior as a way to escape from problems and stress. Many do it out of boredom, while others do it to fit in. Some resort to delinquent behavior because of family or other personal problems.

Some students become stressed out with homework, project deadlines and final exams. They find themselves pressured to excel and be popular in school. They escape by hanging around with the wrong crowd. Many turn to illegal substances. But although they may be influenced by other teens, it is up to each person to make the right decision.

"Too many teens don't realize how much is at risk when they choose to get involved (with substance abuse)," said senior Dustin Insley. "Students have to consider their choices."

Underage drinking continues to be a problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control, two out of five deaths among U.S. teens are the result of a motor vehicle crash. Teenagers have the highest death rate each mile driven among all age groups. Speeding and drinking are often involved in these accidents.

Drug use is another problem. Raves, dance clubs, concerts, parks and house parties are common places where teenagers use drugs like marijuana and Ecstasy.

Maui police officer Clyde Holokai, who is stationed at Baldwin, believes some teenagers are not responsible for their actions.

"Students have a different frame of mind," Holokai said.

As a means of addressing some of the risky behaviors, Holokai is introducing teens to Project Taro. In this program, students are hand-picked from different social groups and encouraged to form new friendships. Holokai also wants the program to support students and be a positive influence.

Parents should also be aware of their child's friends and activities. Although many teens may not want parental questioning and guidance, parents are the major influence in their lives. They can help provide positive role modeling and open communication about drug and alcohol abuse and other risky behaviors.

The choices teens make can have tragic consequences or enriching results. The right decision is not always the easiest, but it may lead teens to achieve their goals.

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You asked

What is one thing you've regretted doing,
and what would you change if you could?

Photos and interviews by Mandy Shinozuka, Baldwin High School

Moses Kahalekolu
Senior
"I regret always trying to be part of a crowd that was labeled 'cool' and not really having my own personality. I was too busy trying to please the wrong kinds of people."

Ikaika Moreno
Senior
"If I could change one thing, it would be completing my seventh-grade year successfully so I could've walked with my class."

Zoie Sevilla
Senior
"I regret procrastinating on everything. Life would have been much more simpler if things were done beforehand."

Michelle Della
Junior
"I regret hanging out with the wrong crowd. I should have chosen trustworthy friends."

Kotaru Nishimura
Junior
"My sophomore year I did really bad, but now I try harder."

Kahai Sevilla
Sophomore
"Not listening to my teachers."

Savannah Kauhaahaa
Sophomore
"I would go back to intermediate and try to change my attitude about school, doing my homework and attending school every day."

Kory Wong-Kaeo
Freshman
"I regret getting bad grades. I improved by studying and going to class."

Becky Bowers
Freshman
"Being mean to people that I shouldn't have been mean to."

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