I Want to Be Like . . . by Antonio Kemp
The Addicts in My Family by Audra Anderson
The Decision That Changed My Life by Najah Salim
Making Your Way in the Corporate World by Pamela Newkirk
Basketball Jones by Wendell Gilstrap
Banning Smoking by Keisa Copeland
Making New Friends by Maurice Dunlap
Friends: Another Approach by Angela Young
The Best Time of My Life by Timisha Foster
In Defense of Teen Marriage by Nicole Laster
Making a Difference by Quentin Harris
Child-Rearing: Here and Abroad by Patrick Umba Kisula
Double Standards Favor Women by Jermon Woodard

"I Want to Be Like . . . " by Antonio Kemp

All parents would love their young one to have a positive role model in their life. Trying to find a role model in my generation takes a lot of time and effort because of the many crimes involving people twenty-five and younger. We must take precaution when finding guidance for our youth and ourselves because the future depends on the present which is controlled by our youth. Finding the right guidance can be stressful unless you chose a family member, celebrity, or in many cases a pastor.

Many of us would like to pick a celebrity to set an example for our offspring or ourselves, but that too can be dangerous. Dennis Rodman is a good example; just because he is a celebrity doesn't mean he can help guide the life of a lost soul. In my opinion, Dennis does not set positive images for our youth. We only know about a person what we see; therefore, if Dennis is always showing the negative side of him, then that is how we must judge him. When choosing a model you should choose someone whose characteristics produce positive output and not just money and fame.

A young Los Angeles Laker athlete has shown me the potential and ability to light up the sky. Mr. Bryant is only nineteen years old and is already being compared with players that are old enough to be his father. In fact, his father, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, played for the NBA and also in Germany, giving Kobe a very good chance of learning the game. Kobe did not have the pleasure of his name being well known by NBA scouts because he didn't attend college. But the fact that Kobe has no college experience doesn't mean he has less experience.

Kobe is a very talented athlete. Fresh out of high school Kobe entered the NBA. Every game he shows you that he belongs there. Kobe does not start for the Lakers but he produces the numbers that could put many players on the bench while he take the starting role. In many games you see the opposing team's best defensive player guarding Kobe and yet he continues to score double figures.

We all could learn a lot from this guy on and off court. Because of his manners and willingness to learn, I believe he will travel far in life. I've seen Kobe ask veteran player Michael Jordan for advice on a move he wanted to perfect. This guy has a bright future ahead of him. I can tell from interviews that he is a very respectful and well-mannered young man. Off the court, in free time Kobe and a couple of his teammates visit the shelters to feed and /or read to children. At Christmas time he donates toys to the Center of Hope for children. On every holiday Kobe has done something for a community even if it's playing and signing basketballs for many of the kids.

These are some of the qualities I would love to see in our young people. I've often been told that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression, so his first impression had to be great and it was. I believe Kobe is such a great role model because he is constantly in training and learning more and more each day. As long as he grows, the young ones following him will grow also.

"The Addicts in My Family" by Audra Anderson

I knew my father was a drug addict, yet he had been most of my teenage years. I wasn't prepared, however, when my mom told me that my brother Eric was also on drugs. Since I was 18 years old I had been away from home. It started with college, and then a job that transferred me to Atlanta. I was so unaware of what was going on at home. It was like something you would see in a movie. Mom would tell me all the things that Eric was doing, and I never imagined that my little brother was now on crack. I knew it was time to go home and see what was really going on.

While I was on the plane, I starting to think back on all the times my father did not have any money to send my brother or me. I can recall times when I would get mad at my mom, threaten to go live with my father, and accuse her for not understanding my him. All she would tell me when I was growing up is that I wouldn't understand if she told me. Throughout my childhood I could never understand why my mother would get so mad when I would make any attempt to defend my father for leaving. Finally, I was ready to listen. I realized what my mom was talking about all along and I was instantly horrified by all the things that I said and done over the past years. I began to cry; I didn't know what I was going to do next. All I knew was that I wanted to get home to my brother.

It is really hard for me to explain what I feel. I find it even harder to understand how my brother could have let this happen to him. We ate at the same table, shared the same bathroom, and went to the same schools. You block it out, only for the memories and images of growing up to come back to haunt you. I don't know what I could have done to change the way things have happened in my life. I feel as if I should just work that much harder to make my mom happy. I don't want to disappoint her anymore that she already has been. It's hard, I have bad days too. I don't want to deal with the realities that life presents, but I feel I have a reasponsibility to be the person my mom wanted me to be.

The problem I have with this is that my mother has had to deal with this all by herself. We have both tried many different approaches that never worked. For instance, I have talked to my brother until I am blue in the face. I have even threatened him; I told him that I would never speak to him again. I have also tried to block out my feelings and act as if I don't care, or as if the problem doesn't exist. My mom has taken him back in every time he gets out of jail, or makes promises that he will try to do better. She has paid for his rehabilitation, paid for school (he failed), feeds and clothes him and his son, and makes excuses to the family as to why he is so confused.

One thing I do realize is that I can not make people do things that they don't want to do. He just doesn't seem to get it. How do I make him see that he has a good family and support system he can turn to at any given time? I guess the only thing I can do is continuing to live my life. If I were to give advice on handling drug addicts in your family, I would tell people that the person on drugs has to realize that they have a problem. Somewhere along the line you have to put your foot down. You can't keep ignoring the fact that this person you love has repeatedly taking advantage of you. Coming to that conclusion is the first step. If they are willing to go get help then support them; give them encouragement and love. Don't, however, give in to their pleas for sympathy, or let them make you feel like you are the bad guy. It's they that need help, not you. Once you realize that you can begin to recover, even if the person doesn't.

I must admit, I can go through a day without thinking about my father and my brother. However, when I see drug addicts, I am constantly reminded of my family. It hurts and I find myself crying a lot because I know there is nothing I can do. Crying is the only release I have, mainly because I think nobody can feel my pain.

"The Decision That Changed My Life" by Najah Salim

The choice I made was the toughest decision I honestly say I've ever made. Everyone from everywhere had opinions coming from everywhere. Some people said, "It will ruin your life, you won't be able to enjoy yourself. " I mean I heard it all, negative opinions after negative opinions. No one had any positive advice to give me about having my baby. I went back and forth, from going to go through with terminating my pregnancy to having my baby. I don't think that anyone can imagine how stressful this time was for me. I felt so alone, because this was a decision that no one could make for me. I had to go through every mental thought by myself and figure out what was best for Najah. What could I deal with as a person mentally and physically?

At this point it has become an emotional struggle, but I was determined to get through this. My feelings became to come clear to me and had a hold on some genuine clarity. I truly did not want to terminate my pregnancy. There was a life growing inside me, and I made my bed so therefore I needed to lie in it and take responsibility for my actions.

Women who ask me, " Is it hard having a son at your age? How do you make it every day? I don't think that I could have done all the things that you've done, or are doing now!" If you feel that way then maybe you should start making different choices in your life. If you're not mature enough to handle the responsibility of a child, and you as an individual know it to be true in your heart, then explore other options. I cannot tell you what your decision should be. That is a choice that you will ultimately make on your own. Every one doesn't have supportive figures in their lives. I was very blessed. I can only tell you and advise you, with my experiences.

My mother is a very resourceful person. She took me to a very recommendable clinic or doctor's office called Planned Parenthood. There I had an examination and a counseling session with my mother. The doctor there was very receptive and compassionate. She sat me down and gave me a list of options that were available to me, including abortion; she told me how long I could wait to make my decision about terminating my pregnancy, which wasn't very long. Adoption was another choice, which required of giving my baby up after delivery to a couple of my choice or letting the state decide a place for my baby. This option didn't sit well with me either. My last option was seeing pregnancy through and taking responsibility for my baby. This was the only apparent decision for me, so this is what I chose for my life. This decision would forever make my life, meaningful but in a different and more important way. I would from that point of delivery and beyond, be a parent!

I also went to speak to the financial consultant on site. This individual gave me suggestions on how I would pay for the hospital bill. The good thing was I didn't have to pay a dime for medical cost. I was put on Right from the Start Medicaid. That paid for everything up to prenatal visits to the doctor of my choice. As you see, it pays to go talk to someone about what you are dealing with.

Another issue I had to think about and consider was my plans for school. I didn't want to get a GED. I wanted to get a high school diploma. So that's exactly what I did. My mother received information from a good friend of hers about a home school program. That would allow me to complete high school at home. This was just perfect for me. I wanted to nurse and take care of my son, and this would allow me to do so in the comfort of my home as well as complete my high school education. The name of the correspondence school is called Citizens' High School. I was able to study and complete exams for grading. I finished high school a year early with a college seal on my diploma from home. This left me able to explore the next step in my life, providing for my baby!

There is also a question of what was I going to do about childcare when the time came for me to work. Fortunately my mom had no problem with me living at home with the baby. Only if I was handling my business and focusing on getting my life together for my son and me. Therefore, I have a job and contribute to the household weekly. Until I get on my feet. I intend on getting a place of my own. My mother has been a tremendous blessing in my life. I don't think I can ever repay her for her unconditional love and support.

I'm sure that you've realized that I decided to have my son. Between working full time, going to school full time, as well as a 21-month-old, your life is put in perspective very quickly. I don't have time for foolishness, and when I look at my beautiful, growing, love of my life all of this seems worth while. I have learned through all of these dynamics a valuable lesson that some people don't get until too late. That is to work now and play later! Later is when I'm in my early 20's with a stable and promising career, if God is willing and enjoying life with my son. I love you Jamir! I hope that this can be encouraging for someone, as well as to understand that there are plenty of routes for rearing a healthy and happy child without public assistance! If I can do it, I know anyone can. I'm not even 18 yet!

"Making Your Way in the Corporate World"by Pamela Newkirk

Pick a job, any job. Usually, your decision would be based on which job pays the most and has the better benefits. And larger, corporate companies are most often making you the best offer. Let me share some of my insights with the ups and downs of different types of companies that may help you make a more informed employment decision.

Corporate America has the deepest pockets to support their business operations, enabling them to offer more money, benefits, and training opportunities to you as their employee. Raises are dependable, often based on time your time on the job as well as your performance. Your performance will be assessed regularly, so your manager can inform you about your progress and deficiencies on the job. So what's not to love here-- more money and a nice setup, who could go wrong?

Oh, but not so fast. There are some less pleasant side effects of corporate life. Large companies are very compartmentalized in their job functions, giving you little exposure to overall company operations outside of your specific department. You will likely become bored with your job responsibilities as the repetition of the same activity year after year wear you down. But you are an anonymous cog in the machine, getting financial rewards but little recognition and satisfaction.

Company politics dictate an 'in-crowd' of up and coming personnel that you recognize as having unfair advantages that guarantee their upward mobility, even though more experienced and more competent employees (including you!) get passed over to give opportunities to the designated favorites. And the hidden favoritism of sons and daughters, in-laws, and other relatives will bypass the normal channels for promotions, giving them unfair and unacknowledged advantages. With downsizing reducing the number of company staff, there are fewer opportunities to go around and being excluded for reasons unrelated to your professional abilities creates anger and resentment. But there is nothing you can do to stop it: proof is hard to document, and other employees who are also disgusted won't do anything that may lead to them losing their job. Chalk another one up for the home team . . .

Success in corporate life is there for those willing to do the right things. Being the most thorough and productive person on the job is not the key to your future. One of the company training seminars we attended predicted your success based on three components: productivity, or how hard you work, accounts for only 10% of your success. Image, or how others perceive your appearance and work habits, accounts for only 20% of your ultimate success. An amazing 70% of your success is based on exposure, or who knows you and likes you. The 'who' you want to influence most are your immediate management, and the managers they are accountable to further up the ladder. Make sure you learn their names and know whom else each of them can influence, then work your boss and all the other bosses at each and every opportunity. Be prepared to live your company life at home as well as at work. You will not be one of 'them' unless you live in their neighborhood, socialize with them regularly on a casual basis in addition to the official company functions, and become their buddy both on and off the job. This requires going beyond the bounds of co-worker or staff person. This is your best shot at reaping the benefits you see others accruing; find someone who does it well, and do exactly what they do. This demonstrates one of the best lessons I learned in corporate America, that sucking up works! Don't get on a moral high-horse if your goal is to make it in the company; just consider it a part of the process, as another example of working smarter, not harder. Use them to your advantage, just like they use you to make their business profitable. After all, if they weren't making money off of your contribution, you can rest assured you wouldn't be on the payroll.

You can maximize your income further by taking a job with one company and completing one-to-two years on the job after your training is completed. Then update your resume with this additional experience, and leverage your opportunities at the next company. This approach should increase your salary by a minimum of $3,000 each time you make a move. At one time people who consistently did this were labeled job-hoppers, assumed to be too incompetent to stick to or maintain a job, and were seen as undesirable. Today, this same behavior is interpreted as proof that you have a well-rounded exposure to many different environments, and is a very flexible individual.

Small- to medium-sized companies are often overlooked by someone seeking a job because they often don't have as much exposure as those companies that employ more people, and because they offer less pay than larger companies. Don't discount the benefits of the insiders' exposure that you can gain by being in a smaller company. The smaller size of the company allows you to learn the company's entire operation, seeing how it all fits together. You often work in close proximity to other people that do a different type of job. Offer to help others whenever you get the chance, or talk them into letting you learn more about what they do. This approach will help you increase your knowledge about specific job responsibilities, enough to know when things are going right and when they aren't. The more you know, the more valuable you are to your employer. And the more you know, the more information you can apply to your own enterprise when you're ready to make that move for yourself.

Favoritism also exists within the small company as it does in the larger company, leaning again toward family members. Family-run businesses have the expectation that the younger generation of the family will continue the business as the older ones retire. But our times don't guarantee this will happen; often the children aren't interested in the business, or simply don't have the skill level to continue operations in the future. And those who worked hard to build the business don't want to turn it over to someone who will let it fall apart, so you may be the chosen successor after all is said and done. Don't feel as though you have blown your chances by not taking the biggest paycheck offered to you as of day one; in the long run, you'll have the bigger payday. Remember, high risk, high rewards!

Whichever employment option you choose, keep in mind that the aging work force will provide many more options for those that are self-motivated, assertive, and take the initiative to increase their value to their employer. But you must also know yourself and do what's best for you. You will have many people trying to sway your decisions, but you must have your own vision of your future. Happiness and peace of mind are the name of the game, but you need enough money to help you enjoy your life in the style you expect to become accustomed to. Do an annual self-assessment to ensure that you are on the right track to living your dream, and make needed changes to the dream or to your strategies to get there accordingly.

"Basketball Jones" by Wendell Gilstrap

Little did I know that being cut from my high school basketball team would later be the driving force for me coaching kids who also had this same fate, or who have not had the opportunity to play on a team.

During my high school years I was tall and skinny, but I didn't have enough talent to make up for my lack of knowledge for the game. I was talented in other sports, but my real passion was always basketball. After being cut two years in a row, I was so dejected I gave up all hopes of playing high school basketball. I continued to play basketball after school with friends but I knew my time had run out to play on a team. When I attended college for the first time, I experienced my first taste of organized basketball in intramural leagues. I learn the importance of team concepts and the basics of the game, something you don't learn playing at the parks.

After becoming a member at the church I attended, I began playing in the church basketball league. I also began playing in other leagues at the parks and recreations around the city. Playing with several teams at the same time taught me the importance of conditioning and how repetitiveness helps sharpen your skills. Besides my career as an architectural designer, basketball was my main focus. I guess you could say I had the basketball jones. I didn't know if was trying to fulfill a void from my earlier youth or if had established something like a bad habit. Was there a correct balance to this?

While establishing a good men's team at the church, I saw that the need for a youth team was apparent. This was my opportunity to help kids like myself, who didn't make the school team, but still had the desire to play. I could empathize with their situation, and I was determined to give every kid a chance to play regardless of his basketball skills. I wanted to make sure these kids fulfill that void in their lives. I was determined to teach them the basics of the game such as the right and left hand lay-ups, free-throws, rebounding, pick and roll, and many others. Although winning was always important, I always made sure every player had a chance to contribute to the game. I believe this established team camaraderie and pride.

Coaching has given me the opportunity to meet kids from all types of backgrounds. One of my key focuses is on bringing all the kids together, no matter what their circumstances may be. Most of the kids I coach are from the church and come from a good family, but I have purposely let kids from the community play to bring about an understanding from different backgrounds.

As a coach I have established a special relationship with all my players, but there are a few kids that are very special to me. I met Antoine and Mark in my first season as a coach. Antoine was being raised in a single parent home where he had plenty free time to spend as he pleased. He seemed to enjoy playing basketball and was very good at it, since that's what he spent most his free time doing. Mark, on the other hand, who was the pastor's son, came from a very structured environment. Antoine had not made his team because of his attitude and grades. Mark, being an honor role student, was playing purely for the camaraderie and to take advantage this opportunity to play basketball in an organized setting. Needless to say, Mark wasn't a good player and needed a lot of help with his basketball skills. My goal was to bring these kids together where they could benefit from each other. Since it was in a setting where Antoine was most comfortable, I had him to work with Mark to improve his game. By the end of the season Mark had become one of my most dependable players, more surprising was Antoine's attitude. He confided in me that even though he had help Mark, he had learned from him that there was more to life than just basketball.

A few seasons later I met Lawrence. The first time I saw him shoot a lay-up I knew I had my work cut out for me. He was always last when I made the players run. He couldn't jump very high or shoot very well, but you could see in his expression that he was doing the best that he could. During the whole season it never mattered how much time he played or how good his skills became, he was just happy to be a part of the team. I was amazed at how hard the other players cheered when Lawrence got a chance to play. Maybe they already knew then what I would find out about Lawrence later. You see, Lawrence had a disease that took his life before the next season began. His father told me that playing basketball was one of his favorite things to do. It gave me a great feeling to know that I was able to help him with this experience in his life.

After all these years of coaching, I still get excited at the beginning of each new season. Watching the kids develop their basketball skills gives me great joy in knowing I'm the alternative for them that I never had or knew. Coaching basketball is not the only role I've encountered, it has become a great mentoring platform for me. When I think about my teenage years of being cut from the basketball team, I now realize that it was through these kind of adversities I develop more knowledge and better character. These are the main attributes that I try to instill in my players each season.

"Banning Smoking" - a Regents' Essay by Keisa Copeland

My father along with some of my other family members smoke cigarettes and I hate it. Cigarettes are addictive to some and are killing people off slowly but surely. I personally think that cigarettes should be made illegal because a cigarette is a drug that is killing people off the face of the earth. It causes cancer to the body along with other problems. It is also harmful to the people around you.

Some people find it hard to stop smoking because the nicotine in cigarettes gets them addicted. My father is a good example of this. He has been smoking for 21 years and hasn't stopped. He told me when he hits the lottery he will stop. There are a lot of people who found out that cigarettes are bad for them but are too addicted to stop. Substances that are addictive like this should not be legal. We don't legalize cocaine, crack, or weed, do we? These substances are illegal and are killing people off the face of the earth, so why aren't cigarettes made illegal? Isn't it doing the same thing? I really don't see the difference.

Cigarettes are deadly weapons under disguise. They can cause cancer and other health problems to the body. My grandfather died from smoking too much. He found out that he had lung cancer from smoking and he still didn't stop. He didn't want to have an operation so he continued to smoke as though nothing had happened. He lived with it for 10 more years and then he passed.

Smoking is not only bad for the person that is doing it, but studies have shown that it is harmful for the people around them. A non-smoker can have the same problems that smokers have by just being around them. When I am around any kind of smoke especially cigarettes I can't breathe. It feels like I am suffocating. If I'm in a car I have to hang my head out of the window. It has gotten so bad that my father doesn't smoke around me, period.

Society has limited smokers to designated areas, but I believe that's not enough. Making cigarettes illegal can not only save the lives of smokers, but the non-smokers around them as well.

"Making Friends" - a Regents' Essay by Maurice Dunlap

When it comes to meeting new friends, there are many ways to go about this situation. To some people, it is just plain hard. To others it is a part of their everyday criteria. Three ways of meeting people that come to mind are in the school environment, phone dating services, and going to some of the local resorts and hot spots.

I am a student at one of the local colleges in the city of Atlanta. I attend school with hundreds of local, national and foreign students on a daily basis. I found that it is easy to meet new people by just stepping foot on campus grounds. In some of the classes study groups were made so that we could have a more friendly relationship as well as maintain the grades needed to pass. Students learn to know one another and things pick up from there. First it's education you're talking, then its trying to learn about each other.

If you watch television on a daily basis, you will not miss one of the thousands of dating services and relationship lines advertised everyday. I have not had the pleasure of calling the 800 and 900 numbers because I do just fine myself, but I have heard that they actually work. You can make a date will sitting in the comfort of your home. You do not have to worry about not knowing anything about the person because you screen all of the dates that you are interested in. There are even ways to get a date on the Internet. No one should be alone anymore.

The street scene is the best place to meet many people no matter where you are. Going to the local restaurant and even the club across town, people are prone to meet others all of the time. You can walk in the McDonald's and find some young chicken head (young immature female) with some problem and start the conversation from there. Or even the club on a good night will bring you lots of friendly people and a couple of drunks. On a whole the night life is the life. And if you ever have the chance to travel, I think that is one of the best ways to meet others. You are from out of town and don't know your way around, you find a local and there you are, your own personal escort for the night.

In conclusion, either at home work or play, meeting new people has to come natural to you. Remember to be your self because people like to know the person within, not the make believe person you want them to see.

"Friends: Another Approach" - a Regents' Essay by Angela Young

Meeting new friends can be an obstacle for many people, especially shy persons. But it does not have to be that way. The are many ways to meet new people. If you are in school, this is a good way to meet new friends. When you attend a public function, you can meet friends there. Even when you are at work, this is an excellent opportunity to meet new friends.

Remember your first day in school and how frightened you were because you did not know anyone? But after a couple of weeks, you began to feel more comfortable. This is due to the ability to make new friends. You have gotten to know a few of your classmates. You have found a few persons who have some common interest. I used to feel lost whenever I started school but making new friends helped me make it through school. I have found that I still keep in contact with some of my friends from school. Schoolmates can make the best of friends.

Attending a public function is also an excellent opportunity to make new friends. If I am attending a function by myself, such as a house party, I make it a habit to smile and politely introduce myself to someone in the crowd. I carefully choose questions that will not offend the person but will make for interesting conversation. This also helps to find out what interest you have. If the person does not want to continue the conversation, I will politely thank them for their time and move on to the next individual. This usually gives me the opportunity to make several friends.

My best way to make new friends is through my place of employment. Many people come and go in my department. But I have been able to meet new people by introducing myself to the newer employees and making sure that they are comfortable in the department. Even just having a simple conversation during break time can lead to a good friendship. I had the opportunity to train a new employee five years ago and I have found that she is my closest and dearest friend. Even through the rough times, we both have been there for each other. Even if we were to go our separate ways, our friendship would be there.

So to meet new friends, put your best foot forward and smile. How an individual makes new friends is up to them. My best ways of making new friends were through school, public functions and at work.

"The Best Time of My Life" - a Regents' Essay by Timisha Foster

I often reminisce about the happier times in my life and I always come back to my high school years in California. Being in high school was great for me. I didn't have to work a full-time job. I found that I had a very active social life that involved many good friends. I didn't have to deal with the stress of the world. I was just a teenager pretending to be ready for the world and its pressures.

In high school I had a part-time job that I worked on the weekends. It didn't involve any hard work or real skill. This job was for one purpose and one purpose only, to shop. I could buy anything I wanted to buy with this money. I loved the fact that I could quit any time I felt like it. It is immature to think like that now but it was nice back then.

I had a very active social life in high school and many good friends. I didn't have to worry with spending a Saturday alone. There were so many things to do and people to do them with. We would go to the movies, park, skating, or to the mall to just hang out. There was always a party in the neighborhood to crash. Sometimes, I would go over a friends house and we would all watch movies. It was fun being a part of a group and having time to be social.

I liked not having to be loaded down with the stress of the world. I didn't have to worry about paying a mortgage, utility bills, and insurance. Politics, inflation, and taxes were as unfamiliar to me as is the Russian language. I had not a care in this world besides what to wear to the prom. I wasn't confronted with financial issues. If my car broke down daddy got it fixed. If I needed extra cash daddy gave it to me. I liked not dealing with these things.

Everyone has a period of time where they are happiest and the memories never die. My high school years reflect the best times of my life because I was free from working a full-time job, I had a very active social life and I was not burdened with the pressures of the world.

"In Defense of Teen Marriage" by Nicole Laster

The most important part of my life is my family. They bring me so much joy and love. As I look back on my life I can honestly say that I wouldn't change a thing. Everything that didn't kill me made me stronger.

I was married at the age of seventeen and five years later I have three kids. The middle child Maceo Marcel Laster is now in heaven. He died of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). At the tender age of two months, after being here only long enough to leave his mark on my life and the world. Here now alive and in living color are Keana Nicole and Jaycia Geneva Laster. Kee is a five-year-old preschooler who thinks she is on her way to college. Jay is a two-year-old with a personality and a mind of her own. My two girls are definitely two of a kind,and I wouldn't change them for the world. They both keep my life worth living and enjoyable. As for the man that I was so in love with that I couldn't wait until graduation to marry, my love for him has never died. My husband's name is Willie Frank Laster, a.k.a. Big Frank. Willie is a wonderful 24-year-old man, like all with his downfalls and shortcomings, but still a good person at heart. I without a doubt believe that he loves me with all of his heart as I do him.

A lot of people believe that young marriages aren't supposed to work. They believe that they end before they began. They believe that we were just foolish kids throwing away our lives on a wing and a prayer. I, on the other hand, believe that's nonsense. In any good relationship it takes two responsible people at a reasonable age to make it work. People base their opinion about my marriage solely on the bases of our ages and not on the content of the relationship. We were a loving and nurturing couple in high school and that love blossomed over years and not overnight. It isn't fair for people to judge us in that way without any thought at all. People don't understand that if love is meant to be it will be and it will stand the test of time.

Some said that we rushed into the marriage because we had a child but that wasn't the case either. We began dating in high school when I was in the 9th grade and we dated throughout our whole high school career and in the 12th we decided to wed so it was a gradual progression and not just out of the blue.

In my opinion, all marriages are about love and commitment. If you can't be true to yourself you can never be true to any one else. If you don't have these components any relationship will fail and that's young or old. Personally I think young marriages are the best. We were able to grow and learn together because relationship is trial and error. We were able to mold each other into what we both needed to be strong .It is easier to change because at that point in our lives habits were just forming and ideas were taking a clearer shape our lives were taking focus.

In an older relationship you have lived life and are for the most part are set in your ways. Your life and your perception on it have already been shaped. Now I'm not saying this to say that young people are immature or simpleminded because we have those in all age groups. But that it could quite possibly be easier to live and commit to a person that you know as well as yourself and not one that has to accustom themselves to live with you.

Life is short so be happy and as long as GOD is the head of the relationship nothing can go wrong. People will be people and they will talk. As long as you feel that marriage is the right decision in your heart and mind and that this is one that you can live with the rest of your life, don't let anyone or anything change your mind. In making this decision always remember the responsibilities that come along with relationships and marriages and that the commitment is for a lifetime.

"Making a Difference" by Quentin Harris

Over the years, Black men have been labeled, branded, and tagged with the image of not taking care of their families. This image that has been bestowed upon us is now becoming an accepted practice amongst our young adults. The number of Black families without the presence of a "father figure" has increased dramatically. It is very important for me to make a difference in this issue. In order to rid ourselves of this hideous brand, Black men should be strong father figures in their family, we should be devoted to our wives, and we also must become educated so that we can provided a maximum security blanket for our families.

Due to my own experience with not having a strong father figure in my upbringing, I feel that this is most important in building a strong family. Since there was only one parent in my household to oversee the actions of two children, I got into and got away with a lot of mischief. Had there been two parents working together to rear my brother and me, I don't think there would have been a lot of room for mischief. My mother was a very strong lady, but at times, she needed help. The help of a man that could take some of the burden off of her shoulders and give her support in providing for the family. I feel that if my father had been there for us, there would have been a lot less heartache, and a lot more happiness in our lives. I intend to have a family of my own someday. When that time comes, I plan on working with my wife in rearing the children and possess a strong presence in the family.

Another image that Black men portray in Black family households is the lack of devotion to their wives. We have been labeled as "dogs" due to our actions of greed, lust, and disloyalty. A family is not a family if there isn't loyalty, trust, dedication, and love. Black men must learn to respect our women and acknowledge our wives as "wives". We can not continue to abuse the trust and love that women give us. If there are problems in the home, we shouldn't be so quick to find satisfaction or comfort elsewhere. Satisfaction and comfort can be achieved right in your own home.

There are many reasons that Black men give for abandoning their families. Some say that "times got hard" and they couldn't provide for their families like they wanted to. One way that I am preparing not to let "times get too hard" for my family and me is by getting a higher education. By getting a higher education, I intend to broaden the opportunities available to me, in order to provide a maximum security blanket for my family.

No matter what situations a family encounters, there is no reason for a father or mother to abandon their family. We as men, Black men, should not want our wives or children to suffer due to our negligence and abandonment. We must remain the backbone of the families and portray positive images to our youth. We must support our wives and children at all cost, and always remain part of the family. I plan on making a difference in this issue by ending the cycle of fatherless homes in my family, remaining devoted to my wife, and getting enough education to provide for my family.

"Child-Rearing: Here and Abroad" by Patrick Umba Kisula

American children are definitely raised differently than children of my country, Congo, in central Africa. The education of children in my country starts at home with a strong involvement of not only the two parents but also the whole family, uncle, grandparents, cousins, while in America children are raised mainly by their two parents and the school. The government is more held responsible for the American children lives than their parents themselves. In my country parents have all rights over their children, while it not the case in America.

The education starts at home in my country with the involvement of the grandparents and uncles who choose the children's name. This is purposely done to remind the two parents that these children are not only theirs but, also the whole clan's. Everybody participates in their education, joy and pain while growing up. Every parent in the clan considers himself or herself concerned about the well being of every single child in the clan or community. All the children equally share the opportunities. And the children have members of the clan as role models, not TV stars, or athletes. The parents are judged based on their ability to correctly educate their children. In the United States children are only the problem of the immediate family, the two parents. Meeting with the whole family only comes at certain times of the year to share a meal at Thanksgiving, while at home you have to share all you meals every days with the whole family.

The government provides the American children with almost everything, from free education to meals, and even after school activities. Parents even complain if their children aren't doing well in school. Back home the parents are responsible to see that their children are doing so well in school. It is every parent's duty to make sure that their kids do excel in school, not the government's or the school system's. The school gives the guidance to follow and it's up to the parents to continue with the education at home.

In my country parents have all rights over their children, something unusual in the states. How can parents freely educate their children if the law to a certain point restricts them? There is no real punishment that an American parent can apply without fear of being accused of child abuse or cruelty. Back home you can restrict your child home for whatever time necessary, or physically punish him without the social service knocking on your door. Children do listen their parents not because they made them but because they respect them. You cannot dishonor your parents, so respect is very important in Africa. And since the parents can pretty much do whatever they wish on you, you better fear them for your own sake. I remember my dad ordering me to do all the work at home after the school year was over. I couldn't object to it was an order to execute.

Every society has its own way of education, which probably works for each of them. Children are children and they will always need some kind of education to lead them in their challenging lives. Every system has its good and bad; the main thing is for children to trust their elders to encourage them put them back on the right track whenever necessary.

"Double Standards Favor Women" - a Regents' Essay by Jermon Woodard

God created man and women equal, so why don't we as people see it that way. I believe the world is unfair when it comes to treating sexes equally. You have sexes making more or less money while doing the same job. If you look at the criminal system you see some of the same injustice. Some ad campaigns even suggest there are real big differences between men and women when there are not. As long as there are sexes there will be double standards.

Why do men make more than women that do the same job. It is widely known that this is a male dominated society. This could be why women make less money. There have been many studies done on this subject. Some of the reasons men make more is because women tend to switch jobs more and they take off because of child birth. This leaves a man at his job longer and room for advancement in their career allowing them to make more money. Men can not take off from work because their wives are having babies but yet and still it takes two people to make a baby.

In today's relationships it is considered that men rape and women seduce. I take this one example the Bobbit trial. During the trial Mr. Bobbit said he was seduced by Mrs. Bobbit, while Mrs.Bobbit said she had been raped by Mr. Bobbit. This seems tome that there is a double standard. When you say seduce it seems to be a more soft and gentle form of rape, but when you say rape it seems to be harsh, low down, and evil. I believe that they should both be treated equally. They're both a violation of the same rights, whether done by man or woman. This is a double standard because a man would get more time in jail for rape than a woman seducing a man.

In today's advertising market there is a special double standard used in marketing deodorant. Why do men sweat and women perspire? This seems to me that women don't sweat. Some ad companies for deodorants have sugar coated up the word sweat for women. Since sweat is what a man does, then the watery substance dropping down a women face after exercise is not sweat. Take it from me, everybody sweats, whether they be man, woman, or child.

You may think some of these examples are stupid but they are simple reasons there are double standards in the world today. Maybe one of these days people will be viewed upon as humans instead of just men or women.