VOX presents our editors’ top three picks of responses that emerged from the Bethune Middle School YWCA workshop, spring 2015:

Alona Campbell

Prompt: Who do you think you are?

I am a weird, awkward and silly person, and I don’t need anybody to tell me that because I can see it. Don’t let anyone tell you who you can and cannot be. Express yourself and be who you are. Nobody in the world is like you or can be like you. No matter how much someone tries, they can never be like you. You are one of a kind. Nobody can be you or can ever be like you, because you are awesome! Don’t try to be someone you’re not to impress someone because if they don’t like you for you then they aren’t worth your time and energy. Don’t be something you’re not.

Aziah Harps, 13

Prompt: When you look into the mirror, who do you see?

Whenever I look in the mirror I see myself. A girl who works hard. A girl who is very well educated. A girl who’s confident. A girl who is very beautiful and talented. Every time I look in the mirror, I actually smile. That smile symbolizes me.

I think all teens nowadays should always be positive whenever they take a look at themselves.

The more you think positively, the longer you’ll live and be active.

Brianna Reese, 13

Prompt: When you look into the mirror, who do you see?

If you look in the mirror you should see a confident and empowered woman. You shouldn’t think you’re ugly or anything like that. Whatever [other] people say is not true, unless it is something positive and it makes you happy. You should believe that you’re beautiful and awesome. So, the next time you look in the mirror say, “I’m a confident and empowered woman.”

Click “Atlanta Teen Voices” to hear from teens throughout the metro Atlanta community!