Moody Youth Center preps teens for the real world

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Olivia Bumpers
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Family Advocacy Program teamed up with local community agencies and the South Health District Adolescent Health Office to host the "Preparing Teens for the Real World" event at the newly renovated youth center Feb. 1.

The event included various interactive activities for the teens to participate in and an "Avoiding the Pitfalls of Adolescence" presentation by Percy Chastang, , where he discussed seven major issues that affect teens on a daily basis.

"I try to provide awareness to serious issues that teenagers may encounter as they grow into adulthood," said Chastang. "We need to prepare them for what to expect in the real world or they will face many obstacles."

The pitfalls Percy spoke about were: tobacco use, drug and alcohol abuse, diet and exercise, intentional and unintentional injuries, risky sexual behaviors and financial responsibility.

"During the presentation I stress on the concept of 'making your own bed,'" said Chastang. "Your future is based on what you do at a young age. Whatever choice you make has a consequence."

He also stressed to the teens to enjoy being young and having fun but to have a mask on that says they are preparing for the real world.

"Teens need to recognize who is there for them and who is against them," said Chastang. "At the end of the day, you want to work against your haters."

Through his presentation, Chastang mentioned that he tries to encourage self responsibility in the teens.

"Most teens feel like they are victims," said Chastang. "I try to get them out of that mentality so instead of feeling like everyone's against them, they can take responsibility for their own actions.

"Like I said, if you make your bed, you have to lie in it," he added.

Throughout the afternoon, the teens participated in various activities including a open mic session, talent show, lunch, and a "meet a stranger" exercise where they were paired up to interact with other teens they've never met.

"Each presentation and activity gives them a foundation of things to think about as they get older," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Amanda Sims-High, 23d Medical Operations Squadron officer in charge. "With effort and preparation, we can help our teens enter the real world with a strong sense of direction."

Chastang ended the presentation reminding the teens that no one can stop them from achieving anything they want, but themselves. He added that he is glad he is able to provide them the tools to succeed so when they grow up they can have their own "comfortable bed."

For more information regarding youth events, contact Youth Programs at 229-257-3067.