Youth Noise and News
by Kaitlyn Blair

The stockings have come down, the trees have been put to the curb and we are all back in school or back to work- the holiday season officially has come to a close. On a more positive note however, 2007 has just begun and with it are sure to come many exciting and interesting adventures for each of us.

With the New Year upon us, it has become a common tradition to make New Year's resolutions. Many people promise each year to get things done that really, we all know, never quite come back into the picture after January 1st. That's alright though - there's always next year- right!

One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to diet and exercise. Although many do it to stay fit and healthy, many others in today's society are fixated on a particular image - one that we are all 'supposed' to possess.

Everyday many people around the world come in contact with something that makes them think twice about themselves. Whether it be their weight, their clothes, their financial status, or where they live - many things can make a difference in a how person sees themselves. Unfortunately, all too often, people take these 'ideas' as something that they must be - something that they must obtain.

Today, people read magazines, watch television, partake in sports and different activities and see messages and people that tell them to change. Of course, not everyone is quick to agree, but many take this as their sign that they are not who they should be. So what do they do? They go on diets, they change their clothes, they change what music they listen to, some even change their noses- in all, they become someone who they are not.

No one is perfect - not even the super models we see in magazines, or the richest of the rich. We are all unique, and all have our flaws, but we also all have our beauties. No two people are the same- which is a good thing. Every person brings something different to their surroundings and the people around them. Change is a natural part of life - but only when we do it for the right reasons. Seeing an actress on the front page of a magazine shouldn't be a queue to run out, go on a crash diet and completely re- vamp yourself. Change is good, change is natural - but too many times these days, it is forced upon us. We are who we arenothing can change that and although we may not be the richest or the prettiest or the smartest - we are who we are… and we should all be proud of that. \