Did you know that the word “teenager” was not invented until 1941? Up until then, you were considered to be either a child or an adult. Yes, it’s true. You were either a youngster or a fully responsible grown-up. Lately, our culture has molded the word “teenager” into something synonymous with “irresponsibility,” “carefree behavior,” and “laziness.” People do not expect anything of us, except trouble. Why did this pressure of low expectations fall so harshly on our generation? The answer is complicated, but instead of begging for a solution, why don’t WE BE the solution? Here’s a prime example of a teenager taking the initiative to make a difference (and even change the world).

Zach Hunter goes to school like you and me. But his research and studying doesn’t end after dismissal. When he gets home, he knows there’s work to be done and people to be helped, and he won’t waste a minute if an opportunity arises to spread the word about his cause. He’s a teenage abolitionist, helping to fight and end modern-day slavery.

Most people don’t realize that 27 million people are still enslaved today, half of them being children. When he discovered these shocking facts, something was ignited in his heart. It was a desire to bring change and become a voice for the voiceless.

He was 15 when his book, Be The Change, hit the shelves. Imagine having your own book by the time you’re a freshman! But, it doesn’t stop there. He continues to strive for excellence and encourages others to do the same. He’s even developed his own campaign, Loose Change to Loosen Chains, which is a group of students and emerging leaders who want to see the trade in human beings stopped. To check out more/get involved, go to his facebook page: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/4502?m=df78399c&recruiter_id=1006718

Whether you’re an abolitionist or an actress, a violinist or an aspiring chef, you can do anything you set your mind to. Don’t let the word “teenager” hold you back from realizing your dream!



きょうきょうきんげん
Putter




"-If for whatever reason you're going to tell me "you can't ban me for that", don't bother, because I can.

-I do not need to whisper you to see if you're idle. As far as the staff are concerned, if we don't see you using the chat room for a length of time you're considered an idler. If you were kicked and weren't idle there is nothing to stop you from simply joining again.

-Don't ask me why I kicked someone. If it isn't obvious then it's likely for the above reasons.

-Moderators don't have to give you a warning before a kick, or a kick before a ban. The severity of punishment is based on the severity of the infraction, and it is up to the judgment of the moderator on how severe the punishment is. There is no chronological order in which a warning, kick or ban is handed out, hence you're in for a rude awakening if you try and abuse it in order to get away with rule breaking.

-Ignorance is not an excuse. Saying you didn't know something was against the rules won't make you exempt from punishment. It's your responsibility to learn them.

-Trying to harass or flame staff for banning you will just get your ban extended. As will any attempt to get around your ban, this includes using other accounts.

-I'm not here to explain to you why certain rules exist. They are the rules and that's all you need to know.

-The account is what's punished. Saying someone else was on your account when it broke the rules won't get a ban lifted. It's your responsibility to make sure your friends/family don't abuse it.

-Shinji and the admins are too busy to read your complaints about moderators. If you have a complaint, contact another moderator in the same field.

-It's not the end of the world if you get kicked. If you're kicked for whatever reason, you're free to rejoin the chat room. Also no, moderators haven't commit a grave offense if they mistakenly kick you, so don't waste your time trying to create a fuss if it happens." (this needs a footnote)