By Heather Ferdinand, Ian Gerig,
Holly Farris, Lindsey Elmore,
SHS students
How do senior citizens view today’s youth?
To answer that question, four reporters from Silverton High School’s Fox’s Howl newspaper visited with members of the Silverton Senior Center in late November.
The students enjoyed listening to the seniors’ stories about what life was like when they were teenagers and how much the times have changed.
Each student interviewed four people. Here’s some of what they heard:
If you could give teenagers any piece of advice what would it be?
Dorothy Dahl, 85, said being honest is the number one quality everyone should have. “Everything else is better with honesty.”
Belinda Schick, 58, suggested teens be kind to everyone. “High school kids are so snotty today and you don’t know what someone’s home life is like. Also have the Lord close in your heart and life.”
Rose Cully, 62, encouraged teens to find a career that they are happy with. “Don’t get into one that you’re not happy. You gotta find something you’re happy with or you’re not going to be happy. You have to follow your dreams.”
Willie May West encouraged teens to find happiness. “Don’t let things bother you. Be nice to everyone. Don’t let the little things get to you.”
Doris Crabtree, 88, advised teens to keep busy while Vern Holmquist, 90, advised teens to “Stop the greed.”
Sandy Harrison, 69, encouraged teens to always listen to their gut instinct.
“Be true to yourself, because until you can know who your are and what your values are it’s hard to do anything for anyone else, so the sooner you know who you are and what you can do the faster you can help people,” Eva Meyer said.
Vona Lumsden, 71, encouraged teens to stop and think before they do anything and emphasized the importance of planning. She also wants teens wise with how they spend money, including being thrifty.
“You can’t have everything today. You need to plan and save for what you want,” she said.
Joan Rowe, 64, wants teens to avoid smoking, using drugs or drinking alcohol.
“I have personally seen the results,” Rowe said.
Glenn Heath, 71, emphasized the importance of today’s youth receiving a good education.
“America’s jobs now have a lot of technical aspects. Our youth should be educated in science, math, technology, agriculture, and even space travel. Always do your best don’t ever let anyone talk you into the wayside.”
What is your biggest pet peeve about the youth today?
“When young men’s pants hang too low it really bugs me. But in females it’s when they have lots of tattoos and piercings. It’s just not attractive,” Heath said.
