<![CDATA[Life Coaching for Teens: Believe, Live and Think for Yourself - Teen Blog]]>Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:18:04 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Untitled Short Story]]>Tue, 03 May 2011 09:56:33 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2011/05/untitled-short-story.htmlAmy thrust herself into her art after she was placed into foster care. She was a skilled painter at the tender age of 16; her art teachers encouraged her to pursue art full-time. The abuse she suffered at the hands of father and step-mom would have killed the spirit of most adults let alone a teenager, but she managed to smile. She wouldn’t grow up to be one of those adults who allowed their soul to die because of a horrible childhood. Amy would use her experience to reach other teens near and far, even though they too may be in and out of foster care like her. The launch of the Amy Arts Foundation for Teens was a success. At 16-years-old, Amy was on her way to becoming a successful entrepreneur, painter, and philanthropist. She was unaware the impact her artistry would make on the world. Luckily, Amy was tough and could handle the pressure of fame and success – it wouldn’t eat her alive!
]]><![CDATA[How to Pay for College or University]]>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:40:41 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2011/04/how-to-pay-for-college-or-university.htmlSo, you want to go to college or university. Good for you! You're probably wondering how you'll pay for it. Well, I'm going to tell you what to do. Yes, that's right -- I'm going to tell you what to do. Whether or not you listen to me is another story.

How did I pay for college? I chose to work full-time and go to college part-time. Why? I wanted the advantage of having real-world experience. I knew I would have to sell myself and skills. Real-world experience complemented with my education gave me the edge I needed to get jobs. I could prove I deserved the jobs I applied for because I already was practicing what I was learning. Furthermore, it showed managers and supervisors that I was able to handle pressure and could meet deadlines. Again, this was my choice. It may not be right for you.

How to pay for college and university

1. Grants.
2. Student loans. Try to use these as a last resort.
3. Work in a co-op or internship program.
4. Create your own business.
5. Start a blog and earn money from it.
6. Ask your parents to invest any monies you receive into stocks, bonds, and other investments.
7. Save your money from your job and put it into a savings account.
8. Live below your means. Do you really need that Xbox 360 or PS3 right now? It will be obsolete once you buy it!
9. Do you need a new car right now? If you attend college/university, you may not be able to bring it with you. Every college and university has different rules and regulations.
10. Apply for scholarships.
11. Create a website and ask for donations from corporations and people. Many people are doing this to find employment. Ask your parents to help you!

You can pay for college and university and won't have to take on debt like your parents. Get off of your butt and do something! Mow the lawns in your neighborhood -- shovel snow. There are lots of ways you can earn money for college and university. Put down the Nintendo 3DS and get to work!
]]><![CDATA[5 Tips to Stop Acne from Blemishing Your Life]]>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 06:42:10 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2011/03/5-tips-to-stop-acne-from-blemishing-your-life.htmlPicture
Photo from Stock Exchange.
Most teens suffer from acne which can be a real pain the butt. If you have acne, you're not alone. The good news is that acne is treatable. The bad news is you can still get acne when you're an adult. You probably thought you'd grow out of it, but believe it or not, adults get acne. Don't be too bummed out. Once you learn how you can stop acne from blemishing your life, you'll be fine.

Acne can be caused by overactive oil glands, blocked skin pores, skin bacteria, and inflammation. Most teens suffer from oily skin. If you use moisturizers, make sure they're non-oily. Girls, make sure makeup and makeup remover is non-oily as well. If you use moisturizer, you may have to change it when the climate changes. For example, your skin could become drier in the winter time. Use a moisturizer that will ease the dryness. When spring/summer rolls around, switch to a different moisturizer that doesn't dry out your skin. This can be a pain but your skin will thank you for it.

5 Tips to Stop Acne from Blemishing Your Life

1. Wash your face day and night and remove makeup! Girls (and guys) don't sleep in your makeup. It's the worst thing you can do for your face and it can cause acne. Wash your face in the morning and night. Your skin will thank you for it.

2. This too shall pass. Okay, you could get acne when you're an adult but it may not be that frequent. Many teens suffer from acne -- it's apart of growing up. Realize that you're not alone and will survive. Be grateful that the only thing you get when you're a teen is acne. Some teens get life threatening diseases.

3. Buy a facial wash specifically for acne. There are many facial washes on the market for acne. There's ProActive (Katy Perry is now the spoke person), Noxzema, Olay Acne Cleanser, MaxClarity Foam, and many others. Make sure your mom or dad takes you to a dermatologist if your acne is severe. They may prescribe medication and along with a cleansing system.

4. Don't pick at your acne. You may be tempted to 'pop' those pimples and zits -- forget about it! You can scar your face which is something you probably don't want. Stick with your skin cleansing routine and the acne will go away. It may take six months which seems like a long time but it will go by quickly.

5. Realize you're beautiful no matter what. Your self-esteem and confidence may tumble if you have acne. Don't allow it to get you down. Stressing out won't help the situation. Bless your acne and look in the mirror and say, "I'm beautiful no matter what!"

Take the necessary steps to combat your acne. Shower every day and wash your face. Don't sleep in your makeup or pop pimples and zits. You may feel as if your world is crashing around you because of acne but it will get better. Follow any guidance from doctor and your acne will go away. Remember, you're beautiful, zits and all!
]]><![CDATA[Help! My Parents Don't Want Me Anymore]]>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:11:47 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2011/03/help-my-parents-dont-want-me-anymore.htmlI finished reading a story about a teen girl whose parents didn't want her anymore. Her father lost his job which caused him to lose his mind; maybe he's bipolar. He threw her and her belongings out of the house. The girl's step-mom was no help and wouldn't allow her back into the home. This story angered and saddened me at the same time. I wonder how many other teenagers experience this same fate every day in the U.S. and around the world. Know this: your parents did the best they could but sometimes it gets so bad they can't see straight. There's help available at places like Covenant House; they do care and will help you.

The streets are no place for teenagers. Please find a shelter and go to it. There's no shame in this. You can find Covenant House Homeless Shelters in the following areas: Anchorage, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, Managua, Mexico City, Milpas Altas, Newark, New Orleans, New York, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Tegucigalpa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, D.C. Take advantage of the services Covenant House has to offer.

It's very unfortunate when your parents don't want you anymore. It wreaks havoc on your emotional and mental health. Remember, it's not your fault and there are people who care and will help you. Try not to get into your head and analyze the situation because you'll drive yourself crazy! You can recover from this and many teens have. Stay strong and get help today!
]]><![CDATA[Teens Do You Want 20 to Life?]]>Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:56:23 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2011/01/teens-do-you-want-20-to-life.htmlI read a disturbing article about a 17-year-old who participated in beating to death 15-year-old honor student Derrion Albert.  Eric Carson was 16-years-old when he helped beat to death Derrion.  Another teen who participated was 15-years-old.  He'll be placed in a dentition center until he's 21.  What would drive teenagers to commit a horrible crime?  Derrion had a bright future that was snuffed out by teens who obviously had nothing better to do.  Taking another person's life is serious offense.  Don't think because you're teens you won't do jail time because you will.  This isn't the 1980s where teens got away with murder.  Judges and along with the court system will throw the book at you.

If you're having issues, speak to someone about them.  Ask your teacher, guidance counselor, priest, Rabbi, next door neighbor, or someone you trust for help. 

If you have anger issues, talk to someone about it.  You need an outlet for your anger such as art therapy, regular therapy, working out, or someone other means to allow you to express your feelings.  Holding inside isn't the answer.  If you hold onto your anger, you'll explode and do something stupid that can kill you or another person.  Help is available -- ask for it.

Links

Teen Central
Teen Line Online
Teen 2 Teen Hotline
Boys Town National Hotline
Teen Contact
]]><![CDATA[Driving and Owning a Car is a Privilege]]>Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:41:47 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2011/01/driving-and-owning-a-car-is-a-privilege.htmlWhen I was 16-years-old, my dad bought me a used Ford Mustang LX.  I loved that car!  The exterior was black with red racing stripes; the interior was red cloth.  Another perk was the radio/cassette player (CDs just came out).  I would come home with the radio blasting which didn't go over well with my parents.  They questioned how I'd be able to hear a police, fire, or rescue squad siren.  How alert was I if I was 'jamming' in my car?  At 16, I didn't think about those things.  However, when I got older, I could see their point.  I could seriously injure myself if I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings.

My mom wasn't thrilled about me owning a Mustang because all you had to do was tap the accelerator and the car would take-off.  It was a Mustang -- that's what it was supposed to do.  To ease her mind, I pointed out that it wasn't a GT with a V-8 engine; it was a LX with a V-6 engine.  There's a big difference between the two engines.  I also told her how we were supporting the company my dad worked for (Ford) and that it was good for their business.  I was somewhat of a 'smart-ass' when I was 16.  What 16-year-old isn't?

I was responsible for gas, oil changes, and insurance.  My dad helped with major repairs such as tires, brakes, shocks and absorbers, and other repairs.  If I couldn't put gas in the car or pay the insurance, my dad told me he would sell my car.  There was no way I'd allow that to happen.  I loved that car!

If you want to own a car, make sure you're up for the responsibility.  Your mom and dad may buy you the car or make you buy it yourself.  Either way, it's your responsibility.  Think about this when you get your drivers license.  Are you up for major responsibility?  If you are, find a car that's right for you.  Drive safe!
]]><![CDATA[Teen Could Have Made $2 Million Dollars with iPhone App]]>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 08:17:12 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2011/01/teen-could-have-made-2-million-dollars-with-iphone-app.htmlIf you're looking for a job but aren't interested in working in a fast food restaurant, create an app for the iPhone.  I heard about Robert Nay, a 14-year-old boy from Spanish Forks, Utah who developed the app Bubble Ball for the iPhone.  It's now the most downloaded app on iPhone and has dethroned the app Angry Birds.  Robert's app has been downloaded 2 million times!  If he charged $1.00 per download, he would be a very young millionaire.  

Teens get outside of your comfort zone and use your talents.  Forget about what the naysayers and use your skills to become a millionaire by the time you're 20-years-old.  If you're a computer whiz, create websites for companies.  If you're a computer whiz, develop apps for the iPhone or Droid.  You could be making some serious cash that could help your family and put you through college/university.

How are your drawing skills?  Do you love graphics and media?  Why not take graphic design classes and start your own graphic design company?  How about taking classes in AutoCad?  Here's what you could do:

  1. Design logos for companies and solo professionals
  2. Create greeting cards and business cards. 
  3. Create video games.
  4. Design websites.

You make some serious cash from your talents.  Wouldn't it be cool to get paid to create video games?  Who better to create video games for teens and young adults than teenagers?  It's marketing genius!

If you love music, get yourself on YouTube (Justin Bieber did this) or TuneCore.  Canadian singer Drake aka Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation, uploaded his music on TuneCore.  His single "Best I Ever Had" reached no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  He's now represented by Universal Motown and his debut CD received a Grammy nomination.  The rest as they say is history. 

Instead of taking the same old, same old 'teen' jobs, create your own.  This is the best way to create job security.  The world is different from your parents and grandparents generation.  Seize the moment and any opportunity you can to be your own boss and to have multiple streams of income.  If you do this now, you won't be worrying about the economy because you'll be set for life.  To quote Alice in Chains, "It's your decision."
 
Bonus!

You could write a book and self-publish or shop it around to literary agents and publishers. 
]]><![CDATA[I'm a Teen, How do I Get a Job?]]>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:41:35 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2011/01/im-a-teen-how-do-i-get-a-job.htmlI answered a question from Rory, a 15-year-old girl, who posted a question on Yahoo! Answers about getting a job.  She wanted to know where she could get a summer job and if organizations would hire her.  She also had questions about resumes and CVs.  Let's explore how teens can get a job.

First, you must be 16-years-old or older to work for certain companies such as fast food restaurants and clothing stores.  This is just how it is.  Some companies expect you to complete an application online because it's fast and convenient.  Sometimes companies will allow you to fill out an application at the store or take it home, complete it, and bring it back.

Second, you may need a resume.  The U.S. prefers resumes, but foreign countries prefer a CV to a resume because it provides more in depth information.   The only time a CV will be applicable is if you're applying for certain jobs such as a professor, doctor, lawyer, or some other high profile job.  Or, the company may require you to send a CV.

Obviously, your resume at 16 won't be that in depth.  Resumes are easy to create.  Here's what to include on a resume:

Your Name
Address (includes state and zip code)
Phone Number
Email Address*
Objective**
Skills
Experience (if you have some)***
Education (in your case high school and or college courses you've taken)

You can add a 'volunteer and other activities' section to show your employer that you're a well-rounded teen. 

Use a regular font such as Arial, Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Verdana.  Don't use a 'cutesy or funky' font because your resume will be tossed out.  The only way you may be able to get away with this is if you're in a creative field such as graphic design or any other type of design work.

*Don't use a 'cutesy' email address.  Create one specifically for getting a job.  Employers won't take you seriously if you send them a resume from 'cuteypie16@whatever email provider.com.'

**Objectives are becoming a thing of the past, but you're starting out so you may want to include one.

***Include the following information for the Experience section:  Name of Employer, City and State, Dates Worked, Job Title, and Job Responsibilities/Achievements.

BTW:  Rachel, a 14-year-old girl wanted to know if it was possible to get a job at 14.  Click here to read my answer.

Third, make a list of organizations you'd like to apply for and research them.  Also, ask your friends where they work and if there are any openings.  This is a great way to learn how to network.  When you get older, you'll discover that networking can lead you to some wonderful opportunities.

Finally, make sure you want the job.  When you accept a job, you're making a commitment to show up when you're scheduled to work.  This may include weekends and holidays.  Think about this before you accept a job offer.  If you don't really want to be there, don't take the job.

Of course, if you're entrepreneurial, you could always create your own 'job' such as landscaping, fixing computers, creating websites or logos, starting a not-for-profit, or some other business.  Good luck! 




]]><![CDATA[Teens Becoming Pregnant to Get on MTV's Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant Reality Shows]]>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 03:02:39 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2010/12/teens-becoming-pregnant-to-get-on-mtvs-teen-mom-and-16-and-pregnant-reality-shows.htmlTeenage girls are considering becoming pregnant just to get on MTV's reality program Teen Mom.  This is insane!  Why would you want to put your body through something it really isn't prepared for?  Who will support you and your baby?  I don't think MTV will pay you $100,000 per episode.  And when your 15 minutes of fame are up, they're up!

Amber Portwood has become well known because she was on MTV's reality shows Teen Mom and 16 and pregnant.  Twenty-year-old Portwood had trouble with the law after she hit her boyfriend.

Girls and boys, if you're thinking about becoming pregnant just to get on a reality show, you may be desperate for fame.  Boys, if you're thinking about getting your girlfriend pregnant, think again.  Having a baby is a lifetime commitment.  I don't think MTV will set you up with a house and $20,000 per month so you can live happily ever after.

Becoming a parent is major responsibility and shouldn't be taken lightly.  Getting on a reality show isn't the answer to fame and fortune.  If you want to be famous, start taking acting, singing, dancing, painting, drawing, guitar, and other classes that could help you reach your goals.
 
You live in a celebrity culture that's getting out of control.  The fact of the matter is children shouldn't be having children.  You're not ready for the responsibility both mentally and emotionally.  Enjoy being a teen.  When you have a child you won't be able to go out and have fun.  A baby is a major responsibility that you're probably not ready for.  While Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant may seem glamorous, all that glitters isn't gold!

]]><![CDATA[Teens Speak to Your Parents to Avoid a Crisis]]>Sun, 05 Dec 2010 09:05:33 -0800http://www.deorconsulting.com/3/post/2010/12/teens-speak-to-your-parents-to-avoid-a-crisis.htmlUnfortunately, a Wisconsin high school experienced a hostage situation that ended with a suicide.  Sam Hengel, a sophomore student, took his classmates hostage with two semi-automatic weapons and a knife.  He fired shots at a movie projector and wall.  He also shot a computer and telephone within the classroom before turning the gun on himself and taking his own life.  The stand-off lasted into the evening hours and was a horrific and scary situation for students, teachers, and administrators.  Grief counselors are available to students but they're still shaken up from the incident.

Sam was a good student who didn't show signs that he was severely depressed.  According to one student, he seemed depressed the day he killed himself but seemed to feel safe.  You never know what is going on below the surface of someone.  Your friends may seem okay but you don't live with them.  They may not tell you everything that's happening in their lives.

In order to protect students, the principal is thinking about having metal detectors installed in the school but those cost millions of dollars.  It's unfortunate that this would have to happen because of one incident.

Sam's parents said their son didn't give any indication that he was distressed.  They're saddened that he held his fellow students hostage and took his own life.  They wished he would have talked to them if he was having problems.

If you're feeling distressed, speak to your parents, a guidance counselor, rabbi, priest, minister, youth counselor, or anyone that can help you.  You know that being a teen today isn't a walk in the park.  You more pressure on you than your parents may have had.  Take a deep breath and know that this top shall pass.  Taking your classmates hostage or taking your own life won't solve your problems, they'll only be magnified.

A hostage situation or suicide isn't the answer.  You can get through anything in life with the help of others.  Don't be afraid to speak to your parents or other adults.  They can help you sort things out and life will get better.  Hang in there because you'll soon be out of the teen years and into adulthood.  It will get better!








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