2004 Abstinence Essay Contest 1st Place Sarah Korenyik, 9th grader at Eastern Wayne High School is recognized by Dr. Terry Frazier, Wayne County Board of Health Chairperson (left) and Mr. James Roosen, Wayne County Health Director (right). Sarah will be a rising sophomore at Eastern Wayne High School in the 2004-2005 school year. She received a $50 gift certificate to Berkeley Mall and a $10 gift certificate to McDonalds.

ABSTINENCE

What is abstinence? According to the Random House College Dictionary, it is the forbearance fro any indulgence. In this instance, we are talking about abstinence from sex. Which, at this time, is a very conflicting subject for young adults.

One reason abstinence is such a conflicting topic is because we hear what our parents, mentoring programs, and what the Bible says and teaches us. They teach us that premarital sex is wrong and also a sin. When you are a pre-teen and not exposed to all the emotions of high school and new people, it’s easy to listen to them. However, when you go to high school, you meet new people, people who may not have such strong beliefs as you, and peer pressure may start to affect you.

Another reason abstinence is conflicting is because of the media. Whenever you turn on the television, watch a movie, or listen to music, you are exposed to what appears to be a no consequence lifestyle. When you look at famous people, they dress with almost everything exposed. If you watch a television show, there is almost always a scene that involves some type of sexual activity. And almost all movies have the same sort of scene. Even in a movie not relating to anything with love, there is almost always a sex scene. This image confuses many people, including myself, on what is right or wrong. The obvious thing to do is listen to your parents and the Bible, but it is still very confusing.

It’s very sad to look around and see all the young girls who are pregnant or who already have children. Even if a teenage girl doesn’t have a child, premarital sex can have emotional and physical consequences. Emotionally, they may be hurt if things don’t work out in the relationship, if they were being used, or anxiety and depression may result if they are worried about their parents finding out about their actions. Physically, they could get a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) or become pregnant. Practicing abstinence will prevent this one hundred percent. Also, I believe, and the Bible teaches, that sex is a very special event in a married couples’ life, not in the lives of teenagers who really don’t know what love is.

To me, abstinence is the only logical thing to do. When you practice, abstinence, you won’t get pregnant, you won’t get a STD, you won’t have to worry about your parents finding out, and you won’t have to worry about ruining any future plans. Abstinence has so many benefits that make your life a whole lot easier if you practice it.

In conclusion, I think abstinence is the right choice because it benefits your life and your future. Also, you won’t have to worry about the physical and emotional consequences of pre-marital sex and it goes along with what your parents, teachers, mentors, and the Bible tell you.