Published: October 11, 2008 04:15 am         

Teen Talk: Check with Chad: Effort put into school determines success

Dear Chad,

The other day I was asked by my teacher to talk to some elementary school kids about how high school will teach them things they need to know in order to be successful in life.

However, I don't see how anything I learned will make me successful. Sure, math will help me in life, as will history and English, but none of this stuff will make me successful. They will just help me in life on my way to becoming successful.

Should I just tell these kids that school doesn't make you successful? I can't do that, because that would be giving school less credit than it deserves.

Please help me; I have no idea what to say to these children.

Sincerely,

Speechless

Dear Speechless,

I would tell them exactly what you just told me "" in so many words, anyway.

Someone asked me the other day how school is helping me with these columns I write.

My reply was the only way school helps with it is by giving me ideas. English in schools these days don't teach you how to write, they teach you how to read and interpret. I learned most of what I needed to write these columns on my own.

What I am trying to say is that school only gives you so much. In my opinion, what makes one successful is how much effort they are willing to put into being successful.

Kids will only learn something with effort, whether school teaches it or not.

This may be a reason for all dropouts and low test scores these days; these kids would probably be more successful at school, and in life, if they had put more effort in their work.

I hope you understand what I am trying to say, and good luck with whatever you decide to tell them.

Sincerely,

Chad

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Dear Chad,

My girlfriend and I have been having sex for what is close to six months now. We are using protection, and care about each other very much; it is not by any means lust. Yet, everyone keeps telling us that we shouldn't be having sex. Is this really that bad? I mean we are being safe, and I do have money saved up in case she gets pregnant. We have talked about what we would do if she were to get pregnant and we have both decided we want to keep it.

Is it so bad that we are doing this? I mean it isn't anyone else's business, yet they all feel like they have the right to make us feel horrible for doing something we enjoy.

Thank for listening,

Sparky

Dear Sparky,

Sex is a topic that is very taboo in our society today, although not as much when compared to years ago. That is why most of the older generation has such strong opinions on it, I believe. People may be telling you not to have sex for a multiple of reasons: religious, envy, or most likely because they don't want you do "ruin" your life by having a kid at a young age. It seems to me that you are being more responsible about this than many people older than you. You seem to know the risks, and are prepared to deal with them if necessary. As you said, the fact that you are having sex is your business, and others can only give you their opinion.

You and your girlfriend are with are the only people that can decide if sex is bad for you or not. I just hope that if you decide to keep having it that you continue to be safe about it.

Sincerely,

Chad

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Dear Chad,

I have finally decided what college I'd like to go to after high school, but it is a different one than the one my parents want me to go to. What should I do?

Thanks,

Choices

Dear Choices,

You should go to a college that you feel will best fit your needs and what you want to study. If this means that you go to a college other than the one your parents want to go to, then go for it. This is your decision, not theirs. If this is what you want to do, than I would tell them what you want to do.

Dig up as much information on the college of your choice and present it to them in a professional manner. This will show them that you "did your homework" on the situation.

Hope all goes well for you at college,

Chad

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Chad Shipman is a senior at Unadilla Valley High School. You can send your questions to Chad by e-mail at chad’shipman21@yahoo.com, or by mail to Check with Chad, c/o The Daily Star, P.O. Box 250, Oneonta, NY 13820.