By Jiselle Diaz
Teenagers find it difficult to feel empowered.
According to one study, 57 percent of teens have experienced persistent feelings of sadness, rage and hopelessness. This adds to a misconception I notice among teens of this generation; some think being angry about an issue means they are empowered.
This mindset is saying anger is power, and that is not true. It can seem quite difficult to grow as a teen in such a time like this. However, it’s not impossible.
Let’s get personal. My name is Jiselle Diaz and I am Miss City of Maricopa’s Outstanding Teen 2019. I recently became a member of Be Awesome Youth Coalition. My platform is “Be the Lighthouse: Teen Empowerment,” which is about empowering teens through leadership, service and kindness.
During my first two years of high school my family was going through extensive changes, causing me to behave in a reclusive, depressive way due to similar feelings of rage and sadness. I did not want to make new friends or try new things, and I experienced constant anxiety attacks.
I was invited to join Link Crew, where I learned mentorship skills and I helped prepare and guide 16 freshmen for high school. This program gave me the inspiration to develop my platform. I partnered with Be Awesome because everything they stand for fits with my cause perfectly.
Leadership is a skill all teens should learn. Serving others and being kind is always the right thing to do. It is so important to be involved in your community because of how empowering it is. Fortunately, it’s easy to do that in Maricopa.
My favorite ways of getting involved in the community have been musically performing and being a titleholder in the Miss City of Maricopa Scholarship Organization where I’m given the opportunity to serve my community. I highly encourage you to get involved.
Stay connected. Stay positive. As teens, we need to develop relationships and friendships. We should get involved, meet new people, and have fun with it! Life’s too short to not have fun. Shine your light, be empowered, and be awesome, teens.
Jiselle Diaz is the reigning Miss City of Maricopa Outstanding Teen.
5 Ways to Get Involved
1) Get an internship. They provide great experience and look awesome on college resumes.
2) Join a church youth group. Get to know other people just like you and make lifelong friends.
3) Volunteer at your local food bank, host a clothing drive, etc. Help those in need and make a difference.|
4) Get involved in an organization in your community/school. (Hint, hint: Be Awesome!)
5) Start your own organization or club. This is an amazing way to spread a message and gather others around something you believe in.
This column appears in the May issue of InMaricopa.
