Only a small minority of our youth use drugs, are engaged in sexual activity and are not achieving in school. Youth are great and we need to let them know how much we admire them. How can adults help them grow into strong, caring human beings? I urge adults to become intentionally active in the following behaviors.

Find every opportunity possible to praise youth. Seek out the positives in their thinking and in what they are doing. Look them in the eyes, smile, and tell them, “You are great!” Your awareness and acknowledgement of every act of compassion youth show shows clearly they are noticed for their value. I will never forget Mr. Lokken’s words to me on the last day of school. He had asked what I was going to study in college. I responded by giving him three options. He said, “Art, I know this, whichever you choose, you will be great.” Those words inspired me when I failed my first philosophy test. They are imprinted on my mind’s screen, showing like a watermark on everything I do.

Ignore the HYPE thrown out in media and in public conversation. Because only a few adolescents are on drugs, are sexually active and underachieving in school the REAL STORY is that most are not. Great behaviors need to be noticed in order that they can continue.

Advocate for enrichment activities for youth in the school and in the community that will place them more solidly on a learning path toward their discovery of all the great things they will be doing with their life. Summer schools, special retreats, trips and adventures must be available for students before they begin working. When the “public” provides these kinds of activities for youth, their achievement soars.

Support teachers everywhere. Most citizens have no knowledge of what challenges teachers face every day. As poverty increases in our area, its stresses are most evident in our children who know nothing else. Teachers must deal with their students, in whatever state they are in, when they enter their classrooms. Instead of bashing teachers, judging or complaining about them, throw a party for them, invite them to your homes for dinner, and express how grateful you are for educating our youth.

Deal with failure and success in a positive way. When we allow ourselves to become negative, we are sucked into the downward swirl toward failure. Good and evil exist, side by side in our lives. Where and how we focus makes all the difference.

Art Dale

Soudan, Minn.