VOX’s Atlanta Teen Voices program invites teens to share their original creations for publication.
G.E.M.S. and Jewels Empowerment Group for Girls decided to partner with VOX to do just that. G.E.M.S. hosted an event, along with Teen Angels Society this spring called “Be Pretty, Not Petty,” at Spelman College.
The goal was to “put aside those petty beliefs [about] beauty and show girls how to start embracing their ‘pretty’ within.” Some participants decided share their reflections through VOX.
To partner with VOX to share your story, please contact Rachel@VOXAtl.org.
Be Pretty, Not Petty!
By Kendall Jarrett, age 13
Pretty Girls stay the same
Be strong independent girls
Who work hard and strive for everything
Petty Girls, please change your ways
Please don’t be messy
And a drama queen everyday
Pretty Girls are girls who care for others
And are very strong
Petty Girls are girls
Who don’t care about others
And like to start some mess
So whatever you are
Or whatever you want to be
Just know that Petty loses
And Pretty Always wins!
By Jazmyne J., age 13
The way I see beauty is not from what clothes you wear or how your hair looks, but what is on the inside.
Beauty is love, happiness, bravery, confidence and so much more. That’s what I think of beauty.
By Tayler S., age 17
My perception of beauty equates to the realization of the world around us. Beauty is uniqueness and originality. Beauty is not conforming to other people’s standards. Beauty is understanding that flaws may be just as intriguing as perfections. Beauty is appreciating every detail of life. Beauty is a mindset.
By Kamariah B., age 12
The thing I enjoyed most at the “Be Pretty Not Petty” program was when we made bows about how we felt about ourselves. I choose the purple bow, which means confident. I learned that you don’t have to be petty to be pretty or just to fit in, and that you can be pretty without being petty. I also learned that you don’t have to hold in your insecurities. When I was at the program I felt happy and confident to speak among other tweens and I didn’t have to be afraid of anything. Overall, I had a great experience at the “Be Pretty Not Petty” program. I recommend all of my friends to come to this program, because this program will let them know you don’t have to be petty to be pretty or just to fit in because you can be pretty anytime.
