Adults hear what it’s like to be a teen

By KARL SCHWEIZER

Herald Writer

EVERETT — Though the room was full of politicians, prosecutors and school officials, there wasn’t a speech or a policy discussion to be heard Wednesday at the PUD auditorium.

The community’s leaders listened instead as a panel of ordinary teen-agers talked about the weighty issues affecting their young lives, including discrimination, boredom and a lack of adult involvement.

The 16 Snohomish County high school and junior high youths volunteered to be the life of Youth Summit 2000, a panel discussion moderated by KOMO-TV’s Ken Schram and attended by about 300 people, including several elected officials.

Although the topics ranged from drug and alcohol abuse to the ideal size of high schools, the issue of discrimination seemed to draw the most interest from the kids and the audience.

"Being heavy, I’ve been made fun of from third grade to still today," said Josh Johnson, a Monroe Junior High School student.

Victor Jenny, 15, of Edmonds, said peers mock him for his dress and style of music.

Everett High student Saleh Al-Azadi said he has heard students make anti-Arab remarks. The best way to stop them is to confront the student instead of immediately taking it to the principal, he said.

"You can go to the principal, which takes three days," Al-Azadi said. "If you do that, people are going to say, ‘He went to the principal right away. He’s a mommy’s boy!"

Confronting a student over a remark forces him to deal with the issue right then and eliminates the opportunity for him to deny having said it, he said.

The youngsters also talked about boredom, but did not agree that an abundance of youth activities will keep kids out of trouble.

"You can lead horse to water…" remarked Phil Gort, a Granite Falls High School student, on the availability of youth activities.

"Ultimately, the decision (to make bad choices) is up to the individual," he said.

Johnson said teen centers are a good idea, and suggested that Monroe needs one. The Boys and Girls club, which could be a teen hangout, has begun to target a younger crowd, he said.

"It’s turned into a total day care. They painted the walls green and a pastel pink. It looks like Easter in there!" he said.

Most of the panelists agreed that parents are still important to them.

Diana Nguyen of Everett said her busy parents have begun setting aside time to spend with their children as a family. She thought that was a good idea.

Snohomish High School student Josh Webb bemoaned the number of hours parents work.

"Kids may see a teacher more often than they see the parents, and I think that’s sad," Webb said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens, Arlington school measures on Feb. 11 ballot

A bond in Lake Stevens and a levy in Arlington would be used to build new schools.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.