“CORINA”

This piece is based upon a Caucasian girl, age 15

Her main quote: The truth is, I have no faith in myself whatsoever.

Some of her other quotes:

• I think the real me is hurt.  The real me is scared to come out 'a me cause part of me is lost.

• I don’t really think positive about myself, but in some situations I do, but I don’t like myself.  I’m not impressed with myself. 

• The most difficult thing about being a teenager is that you have so many problems with you family, like me...umm, you think you’re all big and bad going out drinking and being raped. 

• I know a few people that ended up pregnant and they’re my friends and I would tell them you should not be having sex because it’s not safe right now.  Even though I know I’ve done it, but I know I shouldn’t have but I’m gonna take my own advice because you don’t wanna get AIDS as young as you are cause that’s gonna hurt you. 

• What I wish adults would know is how to treat their kids right.  I mean, me, I’m not being treated right.  I’m being hurt, I’ve been called names and I want them other adults to know, to learn from seeing me that it hurts. 

• I would say mostly I need a mother, but I don't trust my mother.   I mean she got me when I was little and we went out and she did some really bad things and now I started doing those same things cause I was influenced by her.

 • I would rather be a lot skinnier and taller.  I just complain about myself 24/7 saying, "I’m fat, I need to get some diet pills."  I mean, I just don’t like my weight.  I have positive peers that say, "No you’re not fat, you’re pretty looking." And I say kinda, "thank you," but I know…..and they’re like, "yeah, I understand where you’re coming from, I mean, weighing so many pounds."

• I think having a boyfriend helps you 'cause, ya know, you’re having someone to care for you but, I mean, sex and stuff is nonsense That shouldn’t have to happen to be boyfriend and girlfriend.  Just having someone care for you, that’s all that you need. 

• Sex is just for the guy's pleasure, ya know.  Girls think they have to be really sexy and make their boyfriend happy and even though they don’t like it, I think they go for it.

• I would like men not to be abusive and not to drink.  I wish I could take all the violence out 'a these men and teach them something good because men shouldn’t have to beat their women, men shouldn’t have to pressure women for sex.  We want the men to have a good job.  We want them not to go flirtin' with someone else.  We want them to take care of their kids.  We want them to do everything that’s positive and successful to be a good role model for their family. 

• I used to dress sexy, but still in some ways and shapes, yes I do.  If I didn’t dress like I do, I wouldn’t feel welcomed in some groups.  I mean I do it to blend in and being pressured by that.