My name is Molly Pendleton and I am Mrs. Canyon County International. I am running for the privilege of being Mrs. Idaho International. I am competing with other beautiful ladies from all around Idaho. I say, it does not matter what county or zone we are competing from, we are all here for the purpose of representing this beautiful state as a whole. So, I am asking for your support, whether you are from Nampa, Boise or anywhere. I chose to initially enter for Mrs. Canyon County because I live in Nampa and absolutely love it here; I want to make sure I represent who I am through and through.
The Reason
Each lady has the chance to promote a "Platform", which is a special issue they are passionate about. I have a history of writing teen fiction, which gave me the opportunity to speak to youth in school assemblies. I have also been a youth leader in my church, guiding girls from ages 12-17. For some reason, I really feel connected to teen humor and issues on TV shows; so, during any given time during the day when I can relax, you can find me watching One Tree Hill, reruns of 90210, Saved by the Bell... and even Hannah Montana! My favorite movies tend to center around teen-themes, like: The Hot Chick, 13 Going on 30 and 17 Again. At first, I was going to choose the easy Platform of "Literacy", since I write. I realized that would be the easy way out. I wanted something that would make an even greater influence in the life of a teenager; hence, the Platform, Teen Abstinence.
Teen Sex in the Media
Although I love a lot of teen media for entertainment, I have been very frustrated and upset that having sex would seem like the norm in many story plots. I would dare you to find a heroic character on TV who abstains and could be a role model for teens to wait. Teen sex has become more and more prevalent throughout recent years in teen fictional shows, and even reality shows. I shudder to think of what media my twin baby boys will grow up with and their peers' influence at school they will feel regarding sex. I am deciding now it is the time, when shows like The Secret Life of the American Teenage Girl and 16 and Pregnant is outing real life circumstances; because nationally, close to 2800 teens get pregnant each day ( Facts in Brief: Teen Sex and Pregnancy, The Alan Guttmacher Institute, New York, 1996).
Britney's Got It
Britney Spears was the female artist with the most Teen Choice surfboard awards at 2009's Teen Choice Awards... Sorry, parents, that means she is THE role model for teens. Let me be the new, fresh role model for teens. As Mrs. Idaho, Teen Abstinence is my main focus. I want to protect your teens from the perils of losing their virginity too soon. If I make it as Mrs. Idaho International, that will give me the opportunity to compete on a national level, which is huge for being a role model across the states.
A Very Serious Issue
Sex is a life (pregnancy) and death (HIV) issue. No matter how much someone protects themselves with contraceptives, it is not ever 100% safe. In the U.S., 1 in 4 sexually active teens become infected with an STD every year, according to a national study. Did you see that? One quarter of our teens are infected with diseases! Sex should be a bond between commited, mature adults; because it can cause a life to arrive unexpectedly, it can be dangerous and because it creates an extremely strong emotional tie between two people. When a teen girl or boy loses their virginity to each other, their relationship is based on a sandy foundation... and if the relationship falters, they are not prepared for the extreme pains, depression, lowered self-esteem and regrets they may feel by sharing that part of them too early.
Support My Cause: Teen Abstinence
If you agree with me, teens need more support from their peers and leaders to abstain from sex, be my sponsor and I will not let you down. Negative peer pressure and media pressure is intense. I want to change the tide. I want teens to feel good about themselves, their health and their future... There are excellent reasons to wait! I.D.A.H.O. Teen will be part of my platform. I Decide to Abstain with Honor Openly. Spreading the motto at schools, creating supporive peer groups, websites and more will help strengthen our youth to feel the confidence that they can wait and know others will, too.
