An open letter to Henderson teens: Make the right choices

By Mandy Walton

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 | 3:36 p.m.

Dear Henderson teenagers,

I am not much older than you are right now. It has not been very long that I have been removed from your way of life -- classes, parties, being bullied, and the constant belief that I was invincible were all part of my adolescence. My upbringing was not much different from yours. I still feel connected to the youth of our community as my youth is starting to slip away. Yet, my heart aches for all of you who continue to make the same mistakes over and over.

Your parents and your teachers were all once in your shoes. They have good advice and counsel for you, and you should listen. But if you won't heed what they have to say, maybe you'll listen to me. Maybe somehow I can bridge the gap. I feel like I have to try.

Life does not come with an instruction manual. What life does come filled with, however, are choices. The choices you make in your young adult years have the possibility of staying with you for the rest of your life. Sometimes, these choices may affect another person, another family, or even an entire community.

Whether you choose to believe it or not, your choices could ultimately cost you your life.

I am saddened at the news of the most recent crash involving young drivers -- investigators say speeding and alcohol might have contributed -- and the tragic death of a young girl, right here in our community. And while I am saddened and shocked, I also stand numb and unaffected: it happens too often. Every few years, a tragedy such as this seems to occur on the streets of our valley. Young lives could be spared, families saved from heartbreak if for one thing: making the right choice.

A momentary wrong choice has affected the lives, families, and friends of some teens in our valley. Running a stop sign, speeding, driving after drinking, racing -- these actions have consequences that could be avoided.

Just after this weekend's accident, which left Coronado sophomore Olivia "Lynn" Brandise Hyten, 15, dead, a schoolmate offered some reflection.

"(The accident) shows people that cars are not toys," said Jake McCormick, a Coronado freshman who was in the second vehicle. "They can kill you."

Back in November of 2003, wrong choices led to the deaths of three boys. At the time, 16-year-old Amir Mabrouk, a Green Valley High School student, told Las Vegas Sun reporters that, "When I get a license, I won't drink, that's for sure."

After the 2002 death of Ryan Sneed, a 16-year-old Centennial High School student, senior West Kuter told reporters, "It's not worth the risk to try and get somewhere fast."

Why is it that you can witness the life-shattering effects of your friends' choices, mourn over them, then go back to doing the same things again, like you were never impacted?

Start opening your eyes to what is going on around you. Think about what you do, before you do it. Have enough courage to be safe. Don't drink and drive. Wear your seatbelt. Be home when your parents tell you to be home.

Just one small choice could change your life, or someone else's forever. Just one small choice could keep you safe and spare heartache and turmoil.

Please take the time to think about it.

Sincerely,

Mandy