Hey, Teens! An Invitation Here

[Carolyn Marie]

Ah, I've got your attention for a minute. Good! I would have liked to post this in the Teen Forum, but even Mods have to obey that prohibition.

No problemo.

I woke up this morning with an idea percolating in my head. A dangerous proposition on any occasion.

Here's my idea. A lot of our teens, you guys and gals, don't have many, or often any, understanding, sympathetic and approachable adults in your

lives. In my humble opinion, teens need adults around, for all the reasons you usually hear. For trans-teens, even more so, I think [dodges rotten eggs].

There are a whole bunch of (alleged) adults around here, in the guise of Moderators. We have all the hang ups that other adults in your lives have.

But...we also understand a lot of what you're going through, because we went through it too (yes, its hard to believe, but we were young, once upon a time).

We can offer a sympathetic ear, or a shoulder to cry on, or some advice when its needed.

Why do I bring this up? Because my colleagues and I don't think you utilize us enough. Yes, we'll answer your posts (even when you prefer we didn't ).

I'm not talking about crisis intervention, or talking you down from the ceiling and stuff like that.

I'm talking about the role of mentor, counselor, and friend. My suggestion is to start an unofficial Teen Ally Program. Pick a Moderator or two

that you feel comfortable talking with. Ask our permission if you like, but I'm certain all of my colleagues will go for it (no, I haven't checked

with them yet...going out on a limb here). Then, whenever you feel the need, send us a PM just to chat, about anything at all.

Tell us what's new at school. Talk to us about your relationships, your transition goals, your hobbies, your career goals, your college plans, what

you did on your summer vacation (just kidding ). Talk to us about your frustrations and your fears, ask us about our experiences, our lives,

our mistakes (oh God, did we make those!). Talk to us about things you would like to talk to your parents or your teachers about, but can't or won't.

We won't have all the answers for you. But we have experience and knowledge that can help you. Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to about

everyday things, when no one else will listen. I know a little about this stuff, because I have a teenage son, and I think we have a pretty strong

relationship. Sure, we fight sometimes, but he knows he can talk to me if he needs to.

So, on behalf of the Mods, I offer us to you in friendship. Use us, but please don't abuse us. Give us a ring, a shout out, a smoke signal.

Pick a Mod, any Mod, and knock on our door. We're here if you need us. You are not alone.

HUGS TO ALL

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Shane`aka`Brandi]

carolyn, this sounds like a GREAT idea, i feel like i have no one to talk to about stuff and would love to participate

[Guest Javey]

Awesome idea! I'm all for it!

[Guest Donna Jean]

Hi all!

I'm Donna Jean.....A moderator that has been 15 years old 4 different times...yeah, I can't seem to grow up.

I'm also taking up Carolyn's deal....

I'm here every day, too......

I like:

Chocolate...

Sunsets....

Puppies....

And long walks on the beach....

Just call...1-800-Donna Jean...(Ok...ok...ok...so, that doesn't work any more...)

Oh, and I listen real good, too!

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest insanitylives]

I think it's a good idea

but it might be helpful to know which mods are willing to partsipate

[Guest ~Brenda~]

I am on Laura's several times a day. Every day.

Everyone is always welcome to PM me for any reason whatsoever

HUGS

Brenda

[Carolyn Marie]

I think it's a good idea

but it might be helpful to know which mods are willing to partsipate

I think it would be a fair assumption that any of the forum mods would be willing. Any that weren't would let you know. I'm certain that

me, Donna Jean, Bernii (Brenda), Elizabeth K, Sally and Jean Davis would love to hear from you, and I'm almost as certain everyone else

would too.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Jean Davis]

Ooo, Ooo Me To Me To

I just love to chew the fat.

I got pork, beef and chicken.

Sorry to those that have heard that one before, I just get a laugh from it.

LUV

Jean

[Guest Astro_Liz]

I'll toss my name in the hat!

Granted, I am not quite an "adult" at 26 years young.... or maybe I am... EW EW EW!!! *sob*

Anyway, I have some good life experiences. Managed survive highschool, made it through a decade of college education thus far, and landed a pretty sweet job... so I may be able to help those that are "transitioning" in those aspects of life. Heck, I even got my Eagle rank in the boy scouts, so I can tell you how to tie about 400 different knots and start a fire with two sticks and some string... assuming you'd want to know that kind of stuff...

Um, as far as likes... well, I am a space nerd (if that wasn't obvious already), but that extends into all the science fields including biology, physiology, engineering, mechanisms, structures, astronomy, astrophysics/astrodynamics, quantum mechanics, etc. Take your pick, I like it all! If you need help with a science fair project, I'm probably your gal!

Don't be afraid to talk to me if you are FtM either, I play the role of a "boy" every day at work and around my friends and have managed to fool them all thus far, so my studies of the habits of men may be useful. I'm very much a tomboy, so that probably really helps as well.

Hmmm... oh, video games! Let's see... I am currently playing Final Fantasy XIII, Ratchet and Clank: A Crack In Time, and will probably be getting Assassins Creed II sometime soon. Mostly a PS3 gal, but I have a Wii as well.

Tech wise, I am a mac gal all the way! I love me some Apple! *swoon* Steve Jobs is my idol and I worship to the alter of the Apple Store. If I could have an iPhone implanted in my brain, I totally would! Yeah... I'm also a little weird if you hadn't picked up on that...

So... I'm out there if you need someone to talk to about whatever! My AIM screen name is in my profile if you wish to get a hold of me that way. Just toss me a PM that you are on there and I'll log on.

~Liz~

[Sally]

I am here at very odd hours but around a lot so anyone who would like to PM me - I keep the inbox empty most of the time - so you should not have anything bounce back at you.

I already have several teen friends and am more than willing to talk to more - I have been a teenager for the past 40 years so I certainly understand!

Looking forward to hearing from some of you, I listen very well and I do offer more than just cookies and cocoa.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Charlene_Leona]

Your welcome to call on me anytime you need someone to act as a mentor for yourself as well. I want to see as many young people here get through this difficult aspect of our lives a smoothly as possible. If any of you want to PM me please do so that's why I'm here.

Take Care

Charlene Leona

[Guest Jean Davis]

Well I was just thinking, we should let everyone know that this is not exclusive to Teens, at least not for me.

If some of the older members would like to chat, please feel free to drop me a line.

LUV

Jean

[Guest Anna_Banana]

Here comes the Devil's advocate!

I can agree that adult interaction is important for some circumstances. But I also truthfully don't believe that the teens are utilizing each other well enough either. The number one responders to all topics, including those in the Teen forum, are the mods. I'm glad to see Astro_Liz willing to participate, but I think some of the other younger mods should as well. People like Evan J, Ashley, Zabrak, etc. And while I'm not in a position of authority, my PMs are always open too.

.Anna

[Guest ~Brenda~]

People like Evan J, Ashley

Evan_J and Ashley are both sure going to love hearing this....

Both are in their forties

Brenda

[Guest Astro_Liz]

Evan_J and Ashley are both sure going to love hearing this....

Both are in their forties

They're in their 40's?!?!?!? Good greif, I never would have pegged them for being out of their late 20's... I guess we found that cure for aging... HRT!

[Guest Matthias_Bane]

Ms. Carolyn Marie, this is a fantastic idea! I believe that this will benefit many, Many members of our online community, and not just the teenagers.

[Guest Anna_Banana]

Evan_J and Ashley are both sure going to love hearing this....

Both are in their forties

Brenda

I never would have guessed that. Ashley definitely doesn't look it. I will say I've never seen a pic of Evan.

.Anna

[Guest viv]

If I can help in anyway I will ,,,luv,viv

[Guest My_Genesis]

This is a good idea. I'm not a teen literally, but I'm 20. (Mentally I'm a bit older I think, emotionally a bit younger. ) There are a couple mods in mind I wouldn't mind having as "allies", though. And sometimes I do wish I can talk to someone about my questions/concerns rather than watching a series of YouTube videos about people taking testosterone. lol.

[Guest KellyKat]

Hi all!!

What a wonderful idea!! Though not very long with Laura's. I have found some very kind people (Lizzybeth, Dee Jay - biiiiiiggg huuuggg) that I would love to call friend. I am on at odd hours but always willing to help others and make new friends. I'm into many things - music, movies, PS3, cars, koi, the list goes on. If anyone needs a friendly ear, support, or just a new friend, I'm your gal. Take care, luv Kat

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

What an excellent idea Carolyn.

Hugs,

Suzie

[Guest ChalenAustin]

That's so beautiful Carolyn Marie!

I know that sometimes we can feel like you're bothering you gals for petty things sometimes but talking and having a safe friend to talk to is never petty. It's crucial and it's fun too! I hope that the teens will read this and go for it!

This is a support site and half of the meaning of support isn't always crisi prevention- it's making freinds who will be there even for fun small talk or bigger discussions.

It's what you boys and gals are here for!!!!!!!!!!!! Support and Friends!!!!!!!

[Carolyn Marie]

It's very encouraging that so many teens, as well as my fellow Mods, have thought this a good idea.

Question now is, will you follow through?

The phone lines are now open, and the operators are standing by.

Gee where have I heard that before?

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Javey]

It's very encouraging that so many teens, as well as my fellow Mods, have thought this a good idea.

Question now is, will you follow through?

The phone lines are now open, and the operators are standing by.

Gee where have I heard that before?

Carolyn Marie

I will!!!