BOOK TELLS OF DIFFICULTIES OF BEING A TEEN

Local group publishes ideas and feelings to aid communication between adults and kids.

To order the book

To obtain a copy of The Untitled Book, send a check for $10 along with a written request to Creative Leadership, 140 1/2 South Main Street, Zionsville, Ind. 46077. All proceeds will benefit youth programs.

Sometimes parents just don't understand the problems that we teenagers face today in our society _ our peers, boyfriends and girlfriends, school and other problems that we go through. Every teenager has problems these days, and if you don't, something is wrong with you. . . .

If parents took more time out for us to hear our problems and sit down and talk to us more often, they'll see that things aren't the way they used to be when they were growing up, and that they will never be that way again.

Nakea Roney, 16

"Nobody understands me!" has been a complaint of the younger generation for years. But Nakea put her feelings down on paper.

Last year, she and other youths involved in Leaders In Action, a 4-year-old inner-city volunteer program for teens, published their own book about the difficulties of being a teen-ager. They distributed it, even sending it to college campuses so people would gain insight into the minds of young people.

The 72 pages are filled with the teens' thoughts, hopes and ideas. Children's Express recently interviewed seven of the teen-agers involved in writing the book and Tom Weesner, director of Leaders In Action.

According to the book's introduction, one of the goals for the project was to improve communications between adults and teen-agers. Clifton James, 15, recently lamented, "It's like we don't understand each other. There's a gap of communication."

Jamie Smith, now 17, explains, "It's like an interpreter between adults and teens. Like when an adult would read it, they'd be like, `Wow, I didn't even think that.' And then a teen would be reading it, and they'd be like, `Well, I'd be doing that, too."

The young writers reveal some very personal problems.

People can't really imagine what it is like to be me. To hate yourself so much that looking in the mirror makes you sick. One good thing I can say is I'm good at denying it, or you could say I have the potential to be a good actor.

Throughout my years of school I have been picked on (that's 11 years). . . . (The problem) is too incredible to overcome. Ugliness. My old dream was to grow up to be rich so I could have surgery or be so rich I could still get the pretty girls. And my dream is still to be rich, but I figure I'll probably become a middle-class bachelor fool who will have a cat named Mortimer and dream of success. And grow old alone.

Jamie Smith, 15

Weesner says the book provides a forum for youth to discuss things that matter to them without fear of judgment.

"I think, from a director's position, young people have a lot to say," Weesner notes. "Youth have a lot to say. By offering the opportunity for the youth of Leaders in Action to have an outlet to express themselves seemed like something that was of interest."

Several of the selections in the book address racial problems and ideas.

Clifton explains, "The reason why it ended up (talking about racism is) we were all talking about prejudice because we're all faced with prejudice because we're inner-city kids.

"I'm not prejudiced or anything, but if somebody is gonna hate me, I'm gonna hate them."

Today I went to Conner Prairie where I met about 12 little girls. These girls weren't just ordinary girls, they were different somehow. These 12 little girls were prejudiced. I asked one of these girls, "What grade are you, sixth?" And some little girl replied with a smirk, "No. We are fourth graders." Then a friend of mine asked, "What school are you from?" and another girl nudged the first girl as if to say, "you aren't supposed to talk to niggers."

So then the little girls walked away with an attitude and without answering our question. . . . I wanted to take them all into the woods and beat them. As you can see, I'm not very fond of prejudiced whites.

Joey Murphy, 14

All members agree that writing the book was a meaningful experience.

Joey Murphy, now 15, states, "We've been able to express the way we think . . . writing is a very useful form of therapy."

"I don't think it changed me in any way that another person could possibly see," says Jamie. "It changed the way I think about myself. Before, I didn't really care about college and going to school, but now, hopefully, I'm going to (one)."

Leslie Farley, now 17, added: "The reason that I wrote this book is because I like to write and it has always been one of my dreams to get something published. Also, writing also helps to calm my nerves and everything when I'm upset. That's one way I feel I can express myself the best."

While Leslie and Joey say it was good therapy to write the book, Clifton says it's good therapy to read it.

"A couple of times I've noticed people, and I was like, `Here, read this' _ (I) try to help them out," he said.

"They look at our problems and are like, `Dang, I'm faced with the same problems.' "

I am a shy person. . . . I didn't ask to be this way. . . .

Every morning I pray, "Why me, Lord? Why always me?" Going to school is sometimes a scary event for me, because the thought of people I don't know ogling me to death is quite terrifying to a shy person. I get nervous when people look at me. "What are they thinking?" I wonder. I bet they hate me. I know they think I'm a complete idiot. . . .

Thank God I'm not as bad as I used to be. I used to be afraid to use the phone, even afraid to go up to the counter in McDonald's and ask for ketchup. Some may shake their heads in disbelief; others may die laughing. It's not funny. How do you think I felt?

Leslie Farley, 16

Leaders In Action has done many charity projects. Among other things, members ran a Christmas store at a local church to benefit underprivileged people, including wrapping presents and working as clerks. They also have done Christmas caroling at a nearby nursing home.

"Get involved," advises India Farley, 17. "If it can help you express and everything, and you might be able to help other people."

When I grow up, I want to show people I care, that they are not alone. I want to devote my life to others and their lifestyles. Yes, my dream is to live in a city dumpster and form a new community. . . .

My garbage-can suite will be pretty cozy with my dining room, living room and our famous John. Maybe someday I will invite you over for some garbage-can a la trash.

I'm sure you will turn my offer down, even though I'm doing what most people don't. Sharing what I do have with others.

"My address is 5749 Garbage Can Drive. You can call me at the pay phone at the corner (someone will answer), 398-4775."

Donita Murphy, 16