Teen Talk by Gabriela Nuñez

Celebrity Role Models

    What is a role model? It’s a person whose behavior, action, choices, values, and success can be emulated by others, especially teenagers.  A role model is someone that accepts and admits that they are not perfect and that they make mistakes just like any other ordinary human being, but learns from it and allows their surroundings to learn from their mistakes as well. Most teens answer that a role model is someone who inspires them to make a difference; it’s a person they want and wish to be like.

    Most teens look up to their mom, dad, sister/brother or any other sibling; others look up to artist, athletes, teachers, coaches, superstars, celebrities. Teens do realize that not all celebrities are the good role models but even so they mimic what they do. So no matter how awful they are that doesn’t seem to change anything at all, especially when it comes to drinking!

    Drinking has always been a problem; it’s a problem that seems to get worse in every new generation. We all know that drinking affects us in MANY different ways - as in brain damage, liver damage, your over all fitness, physical looks, relationship between friends, and especially the relationship with your family.  

    The list can go on and on but as we go further drinking can lead you to some serious problems like accidents, and the common one death. Drinking can cause an innocent life to be destroyed in a blink of an eye. Even the most successful person can be affected by alcoholism; here is an example of something that has happened recently in the lucrative world of Hollywood: Lindsay Lohan returned to jail in handcuffs on Friday, September 24, 2010 after a judge refused to set bail and ordered her to remain in custody for failing a drug test until another hearing nearly a month away. It will be Lohan's third time in jail for a 3-year-old drug and drunken driving case filed after two arrests in 2007.

    Superstar Lindsay Lohan fell into the influence of drugs and alcohol after which she saw her acting career crumble down to the ground. She was forced to attend rehab by a judge but in this last hearing she failed a drug test. Here we can see how a teenager with so much potential and success can ruin her life in an instant by simply making the wrong decision. But there are ways in which she can correct her mistakes and change her life. It is not too late.

    Drinking is a problem here in San Pedro, especially with us teenagers, just like in any other place. But it is your choice! You are not forced or threatened to do something you don’t want to. If your mind is stronger than your body, you’ll simply answer “No thanks” and I’m sure they would understand. If your peers don’t understand, then it’s their problem.

    Most people blame others, but we all know the real truth is that we all have a “Choice”. Drinking can be fun, but don’t abuse it. And for us teens, our time will come when we can legally enjoy social drinking; right now is not our time

    Most of us would say “Life is too short!” Yes life is short, but remember to live it wisely. It is the people who give you proper guidance and the ones who are always giving you advice and try to show you what’s wrong and right the ones that truly care, love you and wish the best for you, especially your parents. Choose your role models wisely and choose to live your life through the guidance of great role models.