ULTRA Teen Choice has certainly impacted my life in a positive way. I attended one of the organization’s programs on Howard University’s campus in the spring, and was truly inspired by the number of college students in the Washington Metropolitan area that were not only practicing abstinence, but proponing that lifestyle for DC youth. In today’s society, sex seems to be more casual than ever. Yet, it still has the same detrimental emotional and physical effects that it always did—along with the ever-increasing threat of HIV/AIDS and a host of other sexually transmitted diseases, especially here in the District.

After listening to the testimonies of the panel and audience members at the program, along with doing subsequent research about ULTRA Teen Choice and its mission, I am more encouraged than ever to remain abstinent until marriage. I have too many goals and aspirations that sex would get in the way of right now, and I’m simply not willing to put them on the line for a cheap thrill. I value myself too much to be a man’s “plaything”—and you should too.
By:
Erica Smith
School: Howard University
Classification: Junior; Class of 2011
Major: Marketing

Abstinence

In today’s climate, HIV/AIDS is rampant, values are distorted, and respect is lacking. Due to these facts, abstinence is critical. Abstinence is the practice of not having sex until marriage and is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and STDs. Although different birth control methods have a high rate of success in preventing pregnancy and STDs, they can still fail. Statistics have shown that 54% of high school students are virgins. A lot of teens who have participated in sexual intercourse, now wish they hadn’t.

Serious relationships require a level of maturity and commitment, and marriage is an expression of that commitment.

Between the ages of 12 and 18, teens are not prepared for this type of relationship. Instead, they should be focused on finishing high school and college. They should be thinking of a career. Also, some boys degrade girls verbally, don’t take them seriously, and even view them as trophies to tell their friends about. As young women, we must insist on being taken seriously.

As a member of Ultra Teen Choice, which is an abstinence program, I am proud to be abstinent. I believe that teens who are sexually active too early often become victims of circumstances. They are unprepared to cope with serious relationships and their consequences. Young people who are considering sex must remember that every action has a consequence. Males and females that remain abstinent until marriage are sending a clear message that they have respect for themselves. By waiting until marriage, they are committing themselves to a special person whom they truly care about and who cares for them. Abstinence is important!
By: Tierra Glymph
Senior at School Without Walls High School; ULTRA Teen Choice member since 8th grade.

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