You Have Spoken

What teens had to say about the past "Hot Topic" and the Teen Web Site.

Hot Topic

How Do you Deal with Stress in Your Life?
(April 1 to 30, 2009)

Well, even though i haven't experienced it, i have seen many of my friends pass through this occurance. What I always recommend them to do is get a lot of sleep. That's the main thing to do. If things don't get any better, consult this to your family, teachers, or any close pals that you can really trust. And that's what I think.   – Diana

Here are some tips on how to calm down your stress:
1. Try to take a nap.
2. Try to get someone that you trust and talk to theme about how you feel.
3. Try doing some activities like sports , go on Myspace , talk to people but don’t do anything that will get you even more stressed.
4. The most important thing to do is don’t get mad at others.
It is always good to try to good things doing stuff like hurting others to get your stress out will just cause more stress later on.  – Hugo

I deal with my stress with running or walking or even punching a pillow or going outside and scream.  I feel very mad when I get stressed out it sometimes gets hard to control but you just have to relax and try to control it even if it hard to – Haley

I think that a little bit of stress in my life is healthy. It reminds me that not everything is perfect and that I need to continue work at whatever I'm doing. Overcoming stress is an achievement in itself; and you learn to handle it and use it to your advantage.  - Song

I think by talking about it to whom you really trust or to someone that is professional and knows about what you are going through but mainly someone you trust – Dania

I go and take a walk, or i can read a book.  I love to hear music while working out on my Kung-fu!  - Janet

To handle stress in my life; Well uhh I usually write everything down in like a journal (:
It actually helps me because if I hurt someone it doesn’t do any good for me. It’s not worth to get in a fight with someone just to win or lose a battle because in the end it probably wouldn't matter.  If you realize and think back; you might figure out that all your friends that you have gotten in a fight with are now your friends again. – Francesca

What I do when I am stressed out is that I go to my backyard and play basketball or if I’m at school I play soccer and kick the soccer ball as hard as I can. Then if that doesn't help I write poetry or songs about how I feel or I just lock myself in my room and read. That is what I do when I’m stressed out. ^-^  -- Jessica

What I think is that they shouldn’t be stressed out and like they should go out and have fun to get all the stress off they mind – Anthony

When I am under a lot of stress, I go to my room, lock the door, take a deep breath and pick up my current knitting project. The rhythmic motions of knitting seem to melt all my stress and anger away. After 5-10 minutes I go out again to meet the world.  – Joanna

I deal with my stress by taking a walk. I live in a nice quiet neighborhood and lots of people take walks. Sometimes I'll sit in the front yard on the grass, have a picnic, and read a book. It has to be a good book though. You could also try taking a nap:)  -- Princess

Lately I've been stressing out a lot. I worry too much about my problems, especially school. I'm a super nerd. I'm a very shy and quiet girl.  I deal with stress by thinking positive. My parents always tell me that being negative brings nothing good to life. That is very true. I try to think about the luck I have. I at least am healthy and I am able to get a proper education. That's what many teens would like. – Michelle

I do yoga and do a breathing exercise to reduce my stress. In the breathing exercise, I breathe in slowly for 10 seconds, then breathe out the same way. I also meditate to relieve my stress.  – Hikari

I just try to relax and figure out what the problem is and I try to stay clam and not panic.  – Piper

Well I think the easiest way to release stress is simply by NOT thinking about things so much, positive thinking helps at times!! You just have to relax and think things will get better.  – Diana

 

Women’s History Month is important because…
(March 1 to 31, 2009)

I think women's history month is important because they have gone through many struggles throughout women’s life. They have been oppressed for many years because of sexism. They were also not able to vote because they were not as equal as men. It took many courageous women [to picket in front of the White House where President Wilson was residing in 1917.] Those people were harassed but they got their message out.   – Juvenal

I think Women’s History Month is important. Ladies deserve a chance to have a special month dedicated to them. The month tells of special women in history that are well known. - Francesca

I believe that women's history month is important because there are many women from many different origins and backgrounds who have accomplished many great things.
Women are hardly ever recognized for the achievements they accomplish. And some women don’t get the right to express their abilities, and talents because men don’t believe women have what it takes to take the lead, or make a change.
I believe people tend to fail to realize that women are equally capable to achieve and create important things. Also, behind many great men, there are usually great women there to encourage, and to advise them.
Women like, Michelle Obama, who has the job of supporting the man who has to run the entire country; Harriet Tubman, who helped free both men and women slaves, Ellen DeGeneres, who had to make a stand, an chose to come out to public television, letting the world know she was gay.  – Ashley

I think that Women’s History Month is important because women made a lot of history! :) -- cbum21

 I think it's important because it's a time to congratulate women of what they have done for the world. That us women can do anything a man can do and just as well.  That's why I think it's important – Jocelyne

Women’s History Month is important because it is a time to fully appreciate all the amazing women who in some way or another have helped to shape America. We did not all have the rights that we now have and it is just cool to know that we have the opportunity that many of our ancestors didn’t. – Norah

It is important because it serves as a remembrance of all accomplishment that women had fought for; women suffrage and women rights.  - Anonymous

Why shouldn't women be honored for all they have done in history.  In world war two for the first time women went to war.  Never happened before and now women are soldiers and bodybuilders and all sorts of things and careers. I am proud to be a female because now we can show the world that no man is our superior but we are equals despite all the sexist things said to us or about us.  – Skittles

I believe that many women helped form many things in the U.S.  Women are important to me since one of them gave anything even get arrested to help African Americans have the same rights as the others.  They also made discoveries and even work better than men.  Many women have defended the rights for women to have the same rights as men did or do.  I think women do anything 4 their families friends and maybe less unfortunate. – Stephanie

I think Women’s History Month is important because it means a lot to many people. Like when they saw “boys are better than girls;” they are wrong because girls have made many accomplishments. Like the first woman to step foot in space, or Harriet Tubman. She made a huge difference in the world. I THINK WOMAN'S HISTORY MONTH ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   - Wendy

I think that Women's History Month is important because women are finally being noticed. After being put down by society, it's only fair to make the United States see how strong women are... – Laura

I think that Women's History Month is important because every women should know that the things that we are able to do now were not the things many women were able to do back then. We should learn about the great things that other women were able to accomplish in order for us to have the freedom that we have today. - Patricia
  

It is remembering what women have done to advance in society and towards equality. Whether working in ammunitions factory in WWII or securing the vote for women. I think it is as important as African-American history month and Hispanic Heritage month.  – Ana

It's important for us women to even recognize that we don't have to be pushed around.  I mean we made it so far along and we have a chance for anything not only us women but every person out there that's different.   Gender and skin and all of that are like illusion, but we humans don’t know how to deal with it.   Giving women a month to show their hard work can give everyone a view that even women work and do their best and make our minds more at ease and understand why we are equal, because yeah we are all humans.  – Alice

 

How can you make life better for someone?
(January 1 to 31, 2009)

You can make someone’s life better by helping him out.  You can also make someone’s life better by figuring out what they need.   – Janet

Make someone’s life feel better by helping him out with everything he needs help in.  Don’t make them feel lonely; make them feel like there is a meaningful life and always be nice to them for whatever they do.  Don’t ever hold a grudge on them. -  Anonymous

Never put them down. Always smile to them. And always show gratitude for whatever good things they make.  – Anonymous

I think you just have to focus in school and do your best keep it your first priority.  – Angie

I THINK THAT THE WAY YOU COULD CHANGE SOMEONES LIFE IS BY -  FIRST TALK TO THEM SO YOU CAN KIND OF GET A FEELING FOR WHAT IT IS THAT THEY MIGHT BE NEEDING IN THEIR LIFE.ONCE YOU BASICALLY KNOW YOU CAN ALWAYS LEND A SHOULDER TO CRY ON ALSO A LISTENING EAR.IF YOU CAN DO THAT I THINK THAT IT’S A PRETTY GOOD START.YOU NEVER REALLY KNOW HOW JUST BY LISTENING AND GIVING SOMEONE ADVICE REALLY CAN CHANGE A PERSONS LIFE. I PERSONALLY , FEEL IF YOU CAN HELP WITH EVEN MORE THEN JUST LISTENING AND ADVICE YOU REALLY COULD MAKE SOMBODYS LIFE DO A COMPLETE 180 AND IN A VERY GOOD WAY. – Samantha

To make someone life better is to start, with a smile and attitude. Therefore someone will respect you and you can feel so much better of who you are. Is something that you have to live that you are going to be a good person. If you think that what you are going to be a good person. From there you can change many people’s lives. To make yourself and many others feel better so they can change their lives. To make them smile under the blue sky! – Mikan

I think ....that u need to spend a time with that person and tell them what’s wrong! – Issac

I help my friends by letting them know that I love them and I will always be there for them. – Marleny

To make some ones life better I donate clothes to a Salvation Army. I recycle bottles, cans, and also paper so that I am able to donate the money to shelters, and/or buy a hungry person food. I know that whenever I needed someone to lean on someone would be there.  In conclusion help out and the help will soon be returned.  -- Heather

You can make life better for someone else by making a commitment to volunteer a small portion of your time to help others in a way that you feel is needed in our ailing, failing society. Volunteering is fun, easy, free, and rewarding. Go for it!  - Candy

 

The one thing that I want for this holiday is…
(December 1 to 31, 2008)

I want some skates for Christmas – Shamiria

I want a gift card so I could buy gifts for my family and I am 14years old so I can’t work. I also want another iPod because mine broke. Well there is so much I want but if at least had the gift card and my iPod, Ii would be so happy and make my family too.  -- Jenni

I want to have a great Christmas and get the present that I want – Jackie

The stuff that I want for this holiday is a laptop, a cell phone and go back to my usual school that is ROBERT FULTON COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL. I want to have my papers so I can go to EL SALVADOR where I was born.  That is all I want for this holiday.  - 7124

I think I want a really nice outfit from Neiman Marcus for Christmas! I love fashion – Sydney.

Well I think I’m going to get a lot of things for this years x-mas and I be honest that I don’t really care about the presents and gifts the most thing that’s important is that when you are together with your family - Kayla

I want a pony for Christmas. – Samuel

I want a leather jacket and hundreds of skinny jeans and scarves!   - Tanya

This holiday I wish every one had a home to sleep in. I also wish love for every one. Happy Holidays! – Jessica

To get the new Guitar Hero or to have a nice Christmas with the family.  - Veronica

 

 

Feedback from teens!

I think the teen web is great. It give off a lot of information on teen life and how they act. I am glad I was introduce to this web site.  – Britney

I think that the Porter Ranch Branch library should have a teen section. They already have the “young adult” but its kind of boring with just wooden table and chairs. They should have a fundraiser and buy like a couch and a big beanie bag pillows so we could sit. i would also donate like some really cool pillows for the couch:)  I also want to say that the librarian Beth Hardy is awesome!!  - Princess

I think this teen web should be better. The reason is that because this web site is not very popular actually I even bet that you don't even read it since it's so boring.   Kids prefer a more exciting thing, thank-you!  - Esmeralda

I think you guys at the Venice Library should like help the kids more than the teens like you guys should make us wanna be at the library more because I like thinking about the library but when am in it like it’s hard to get a card and use correctly the computer and well people around should help us because a lot of teens need help on homework but its hard so am just telling you guys what will make the library better :)  - Nicole

WELL ITS OKAY NOT SO BAD...LOVE THIS MAR VISTA LIBARY CAN COME AND DO MY HOMEWORK TYPE ESSAYS AND THEY WILL HELP ME IF I NEED THEIR HELP  - Miriam

Hi my name is Jania and I’d like to say that I like this library very much thank you for your wonderful services!!!!!! Love you   - Jania

i my name is Itzel and like to say that I love your library the LA library of course.  -  Itzel

I THINK THE LIBRARY IS AWESOME CUS U COULD GO ON THE COMPUTERS AND IT HAS LOTS OF BOOKS – Chelsey

This library is cool because you get to research lots of things for example books. Also you get to check out DVDs. But you sure wouldn't want to owe $ for real. This is my favorite library to come. Here is where I kick it with my friends. Thank you for all of your attention. -- Grecia

This library has a lot of books that i like. That motivates me to read more thank you. – Miriam

Canoga Park is the BEST library ever! NO KIDDING! The Librarians are all nice. Everyone is calm, and all of the S.T.A.F.F are very helpful! :) Keep up the good work you guy! -- Ekern Jade

I think that that the teen reading club really inspires me to read more and learn about the library – Anonymous

My suggestion/comment about the teen web is that it is kool and rocking but u gotta make the codex game longer for occasions in which people can’t go on the internet only the home page...please make the game longer. - Anonymous

Hi nice teen web ya! You guys are nice, you rock! -- Maria

The library is a cool place to do your homework ;] - Vanessa

I think that this space [Teen Web] is so cool cause you can express your self... you can find help and talk to someone when you need it....... anonymous

This library should have a chess club on Saturday at 12:00 pm to 4:pm - Rodriguez

I love porter ranch library! - Pretty Lyn

I think that this web is very cool that it teaches what the teens have to do when they get to high school - Paula

I like this site, but i think the library should be open at an earlier time. -- Sara

Well I don’t have much to say just that LAPL rocks!! I love to read a lot, so I come to kick it at LAPL. There is just no better place. I think that teen web is cool. And I also think i said a little to much, well latz!=-) - Roxy

Thank you librarians for the help I always need every week; for the subject from my school; great books. I always need help looking for information. Indeed thanks for the movies; the books and everything – Delgado

WELL I THINK TEEN WEB IS SO COOOOOOOOOOOOL! WHAT DO U THINK???? ANSWER ME PLEASE! WELL ITS REALLY COOOOOOOOOL U CAN GET GOOD HELP ON YOU’RE HOME WORK AND MORE COOOOOOL STUFF U CAN FIND COOOOOL STUFF AND FIND WHAT U NEED AND WHEN U LOOK 4 IT U FIND IT THAT’S ALL I THINK SO NOW HEARD IT -- Bridget

I love this website! It's a nice website for teen girls! Keyerra

I love Teen Web! It's really cool! But I wish we could play games that's the only thing I don't like about Teen Web! -Hugh

I think that reading is really fun!!! – Anosha

Hi! I think your web site is so cool. – Jamie

I THINK THE LIBRARY IS COOL – GRISELDA

I think this site is cool. – Anonymous

I love the library -- Noreen

I think the Libraries should open more early!!! – Anonymous

You should get most of the books that the teens suggest because they're the
ones reading them. I want to read the Calypso Chronicles but can't find all of them in the library. Please get them. - Beth

I would love to go to the beach or Mexico for me. It surprises me that you guys are really interested in what we do or like. So THANK YOU GUYS -- Diana

I think there should be more movies for us teens and pre-teens! -- Ruby

The library is cool, yeah the comps. and books, CD"s etc. But they could have more places to use the comps. without having to need a library card. People over ages of 11 should be able to use kid path comps. if no other child of the required age is present, due to the fact that most one hour comps. are always used and/or are few of them. Most computers are not being able to be used because children of smaller ages pound on the keyboards or using pencils to write all over the screen. I have noticed there are sometimes not a wide variety of books in one particular section. – Enyel

I would like to give my appreciation to the staff and staff members of the Central Library because without there help and support I wouldn't be able to find a book I was looking for or be able to surf the net for homework and I wouldn't be able to print papers out cause I don't have a computer at home. My name s Melissa I'm a straight a student thanks to Los Angeles public library! Thank you...and keep on helping other kids like me...I really appreciate it! -- Melissa

First of all, I love the new Harbor-gateway library; its way more high tech than the old one. Finally, my local library is back! Also, for anyone into a chick book, look into Sophie Kinsella's series Confession of a Shopaholic. Its my first time in this site, and I'm definitely coming back! - Joana

You need to go get more movies like "Date Movie" that a movie I would to see so if you would take my suggestion and get that movie then I would gladly appreciate it a lot k so I’m having a very good time writing that ‘s why I can’t stop writing so have you seen any good even maybe stomp the yard to ok [movie?] – anonymous.

For a fact I didn't even know what black history was until I saw “That so Raven”, I understand that it thanks all the people that helped change the unfair things that was happening to all the black slaves for example: Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman and so on. Anyways there is still people discriminate African Americans but it is less than it would be than if all those people wouldn’t changed anything. THAT IS WHAT I THINK. -- Emilia

I think people at this library are really cool. -- Cynthi

I think reading is fun because it takes up time but your not wasting time I love reading and I think every 1 should

Lemony Snicket books are the best because the mystery is amazing actually if anyone of you guyz and girlz feel depressed about anything they really can cheer you up because you see all the UNFORTUNATE thingz that happen to them and you would wish they never had that problem. -- Susana

Hello I don’t know what I’m doing but I think my book that I’m reading called Dreadlocks is a great book!!!!! – Alfred

I like the site....that's all I had to say. – Vicky

I love this sight but what I don’t like is you can’t play games. I think that they should let us play games otherwise i like the homework helper. THANK YOOUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Tyleshia

I love this web site but it has stuff about living above the influence, school, help with personal stuff that no one else can see but you. It should help you with homework more and even what to do about parents and how they influence your life style you know stuff like how to turn down peer presser to do bad in school [and] how much stress we ave(most of it from our parents on school work. I think this site should have more things about that kind of stuff. I still love the site though!!! – Tony

I liked your site. -- Jim

Yeah! I really enjoy this library, >;] - Michelle

I think that they (staff) should have more activities like the fear factor!!!!!!!!!!!! – Hillary.

I highly recommend Eragon by Christopher Paolini. It's filled action adventure and a hint of romance. Recently this book has been made into a movie. I love this book!!!!
- Jolie

This website is awesome! I work a public library in AR and we were Re-designing our teen page and we might use some similar things from your site. Don’t worry, we won’t copy your stuff.. Just use it as a reference site. Thanks for the influence.
- Kasserz

I think that books are the greatest thing to ever happen. When I get a new book it is the greatest thing. I love to imagine myself in the stories and watch the stories play out. It's better than watching T.V. because you have to use your imagination to really make it work.
- Chikere

I think that coming to the library is fun because u get to use any computer u want. There’s like a limit but at least u check or look at whatever u want even check out your email address or confirm a first class flight to even a job of any kind.
- Romina

Chicken Soups for the Girl’s Soul - I think that this is a really good book for girls who need help surviving all sorts of obstacles.
- Someone from the Northridge Branch

More heavy metal on the CD racks plz. J-Pop and J-rock isn't bad either.
- Painless

I also think that we should have a place to chat with other teens.
- Anonymous

I think you need more books on tape of R.L. Stine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I look that author he is a great author those books give me GOOSEBUMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please make my Suggest a real thing!!!!! :)
- Mia

I think reading is fun once you know what you're interested in. For example, I'm interested in books that have to do with vampires and because I like reading vampire books I could last hours and hours reading vampire books.
- Gaby

Hi my name is Sandy and I would like to suggest that this library get more computers. Also more movies and CDs.
- Sandy

I love HOT TOPIC!!!!!!
- Esther

I THINK THAT WE SHOULD GET MORE THAN 2 HOURS PER CARD [for computer usage] CAUSE 2 JUST ISN'T ENOUGH DON'T YA THINK?
- ASHLEY AKA TROUBLEZ

I THINK THIS [Teen Web] IS GREAT BUT WE SHOULD HAVE A PLACE TO CHAT WITH OTHER TEENS TO DON'T YOU THINK?
- ASHLEY AKA TROUBLEZ

Long live Amelia Atwater-Rhodes! Her books are unbelievably awesome! They are MUST HAVE NOW!
- Sakuya

My name is Beatris but they call me bubbles, I think it's a great opportunity for anyone to use this web, even I think that I could spend my time expanding my thoughts.  Well, all I have to say is bye.
- Beatris A.K.A. bubbles

I really like that the LAPL offers the STUDENT SMART program. I think that it is a great program. I was wondering how the locations are chose. I was hoping that maybe there could be a way for more locations to provide this program, locations within a  radius of high school, I now that's a lot of area to cover, but it would really be helpful. I didn't see testing locations near University High nor Venice High. I attend University High and we have some great programs at my school, but I am also trying to get all the help that I can. This is my Junior year and I have plan to take both the SAT and the ACT test. --
- Jessica

I like this library...it’s pretty kool....but I think they should let us go on the 1 hr computers even if we don’t have a library card!!!! 4 real dough...
- Laurel