A RECENT survey of B.C. teenagers shows that although 27% of Greater Van- couver teens have experienced some form of sexual abuse, the No. | health concern is acne, What are your greatest health con- cerns? What other problems do you ar your friends face? Graduation, the ultimate reality ‘Allison. Genevre Poirter A Grade 12 Sutherland second- ary. school student, Allison, 17, is into photography, swimming, and travelling. She hopes to become a journalist. GRADUATION: IS party or a swift kick the adult world? The reality of graduating didn't really hit. me until 1 was faced with filling out my. college ap- plication. It seems like everybody is talking about graduation and the question is, ‘‘Where are you going?” Centre hosts CONCERNED PARENTS, teenagers and those who work with teenagers are invited to al- “tend Teen Night at the North Shore Women's Centre (NSWC) on Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. The event, entitled “Keeping Ourselves Safe,’’ includes asser- tiveness training for young women ‘as well as a lecture and discussion that focuses‘ on ways to prevent dating violence. The evening will feature two speakers: Ruth Armstrong, a child and family therapist in North Vancouver; and Berni Batchelor, a representative from the Red Cross Society’s Child Abuse Prevention Our future is now in our hands and it's all up to us, Now [ have the opportunity to decide what to do with my life. What if } end up a nobody or 4 bum? Graduation is a thrill, yet nightmare. You enter world of working, rent, and sup- porting yoursel!, On the other hand if you do stay at home youll have the battle of “} am old enough, I've graduated," everytime you gel yelled at. It’s a no-win situation. People are not only talking about college, but also the cere- mony itself. So much goes into the ceremony: renting limos, a tux, a dress, matching shoes, get- ting your hair done, and even get- ting a manicure. Recently, in English class, some friends and ! were talking about our grad dresses and dates. The conversation went something like this: “What like?”’ . “it’s dark green rouches the floor.” “No way!”* “Yeah, why?” ““E wanted a green velvet dress, you idiot!”’ The actual ceremony is June 4, yet we don’t even know if we have Teen Night Program for Adolescents (CAP- PA). “According to recent reports, as many as 75% of rapes are ac- quaintance or date rapes,’’ say organizers, ‘‘and those most vul- nerable are today’s teenagers."* The speakers will lead a discus- sion that includes topics such as how to set and communicate one’s boundaries, how to choose type of relationship one wants, and how to look for clues to potentially assaultive behavior. The event is free of charge and takes place at the NSWC, #103 - 145 West 15th St. in North Van- couver. For more information, call 984-6009. also a the real does your dress look velvet and Open stage seeking taient LOOKING FOR a place to ex- _ press yourself? The Karen Magnussen Teen Centre is looking for teens to take ‘part;.in an. informal open- microphone open-stage night. Organizers are looking for ar- tists, singers, musicians, poets and bands, as well as theatre groups. All teens, who have a talent that Last week we asked what you plan to do with your future, and what vour plans are if you cannot get into post- secondary school. If 1 am unable to get into a _ college or university, 1 plan to ” focus. all’ of my energy into becoming a member of . the ‘fepistative assembly. Based on the recent NDP budget, it’s appevent that a post-secondary education is not sequired to become (an MLA). ‘Wm really cheesed off at the they would like to expose, are welcome. ; These informal evenings will take place on Friday nights be- tween 7 and 11 p.m. at the teen centre at 937 Lynn Valley Rd. : Anyone who is interested in participating, or has any questions about the sessions, should contact the Karen Magnussen Teen Centre at 983-6559. school system. There’s a lot of kids out there who want dif- ferent jebs. But there’s no classes to teach me the ins and outs of what I am interested in. - ‘is a big deal. the | 64 /'Il likely lose touch with most of my friends as we all go our different ways. ¥9 graduated until some time in August when our provincial marks finally come in the mail. This, to me, is ridiculous! What if you don’t Can you imagine running into a friend that fall and saying, *“‘l really didn’t graduate and I have to take some night-school courscs.’” How embarrassing! Although, it shouldn’: be. Society has put a great deal of pressure on students today. If you don't graduate and go on to col- lege, you are looked down on. So what if the person didn’t graduate right away? At least they are going to night school and haven't given up. It might just take them some extra time. Not everybody learns at the same speed. : To a 17- or 18-year-old person graduating from a lifetime of teachers, books, and hard work, it Right now graduate? | graduating is the biggest thing in my life. Once you've graduated you're considered an adult and everything changes. This could be a little scary. FH most likely lose touch with most of my friends as we all go our different ways. Then, I will be left to face the real world alone. So many people have different thoughts and ideas about gradua- tion, from being scared to being totally excited. A friend of mind doesn‘*t even want to bother with grad. “Why go to grad?’’ she pointed out. ‘It’s just one big headache I can do without. Plus, | am not going without a date!”’ { told her to forget about guys for once. This is her graduation which is a once in a lifetime thing. I would never miss my grad. It’s all I’ve been thinking about since Grade 8! THE BEGINNING Can you believe it! We made it! We finally graduated! Watch out, world. Here we come! Freedom at last! What're you going to do now? . I don't know. You? I haven't decided yet. Oh. We'll see each othe, right? Of course. I'll miss you. I'll miss you, too!..: NEWS photo Mike Waketioid ~ Sutherland seminar — HIGH SCHOOL. peer counsellors (students trained to counsel other students) at: Sutherland secondary school recently hosted a one-day seminar for Grade 8 students. Sessions included tepics such as succeeding at schcot, family or youth violence, and peer pressure. Here they: perform a skit about the first day of schooi, joking about some of the types of students that: come together in any one classroom. KENNY SMITHSON AND I OWE IT ALL TO YOU, t NATE! KENNY SAID RE DIDN'T : HAVE THE COURAGE TO ASK ME! “UNTIL YOu TOLD HI IT LIKED Hin! D109? Urtnd Factve Seti ate ane