While one cannot ignore the negatives caused at the hands of teens, it is refreshing to see the many wonderful things young people are doing. It, without question, offsets the negatives and reminds us that there are still far more teenagers out there making their own mark on this world that one day they will inherit.
Such is the case with Hobbton High School’s art club, which has undertaken one of the most caring programs we’ve heard of lately.
The group is designing origami peace crane figures and sending them to the Duke Children’s Hospital, where hundreds upon hundreds of ill children, many of them terminally so, will get the opportunity to enjoy them.
Some of the beautiful student-designed art will also go to local elderly residents, bringing smiles to the young and young-at-heart.
The voices of Hobbton’s teens tell the story:
Cardiellea Barksdale: “It is a good thing, and it will make the children feel loved and let them know people are thinking of them ... If these are sad, these might make their day;”
Untimio Cruz: “I think it is good for the kids because some of them don’t get stuff; so if they get stuff from us, they may feel special;” and
Andrea Martinez: “Hopefully the kids will be inspired, and it will bring them some hope.”
These are young people with much on their plate — peer pressure, educational challenges, life challenges and the plethora of temptations that sit waiting to entice them — yet when asked about this very special project, they spoke from the heart, not ashamed whatsoever of their willingness — and their desire, even — to reach out to others.
One has to admire these young people, and we should all praise them, not just for what they are doing, but for the reasons behind their actions.
It proves what we continually try to say about the young people in Sampson County — they have heart, they are bright and while some may stumble, just as we adults do, most get back up, brush themselves off and continue moving forward.
While it’s true we have teenagers who are gang members, drug dealers and drug users, there are still far more who are in church youth groups, serve as leaders in their schools and communities and who have hearts of pure gold.
We should tout them at every turn, listen to them when they try to tell us something, be it by words or actions, and offer them a helping hand when needed.
Are they perfect? No, far from it, but we should all remember that neither are we.
And we shouldn’t give up on those who seem lost either. In many cases, these young people are the ones who’ve never been praised, never found their way into a church and never had someone who listened when they’ve shouted out for help.
It’s never too late to start. Perhaps if we do, then we could see a troubled youth turned around and becoming a student willing to give of himself, helping a youngster far less fortunate than even he or she.
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