Kayla, it is time that you understand something that you're parents obviously haven't taught you. You and only you are responsible for your choices and actions. If you make the wrong choice, then you will be left to the consequences of your choice. That is the God's honest truth. If you are to succeed in this world and be a productive member of society, instead of a drain, then you have to be mature and make mature decisions. There are more things to do in this city than there were 25 year ago when I was a child or even 12 years ago when I was a teenager. The fact is that teens today are spoiled and want everything now. This is why they are called Generation Me. I work for the local college and every year it get worse with the incoming freshman. They are ignorant and ill-prepared for the world that awaits them. The majority of them don't even know how to carry on a conversation or ask a question properly. Kayla and the rest of her ilk need to understand that she and she alone is responsible for her future, not the fact that she is bored. Stop blaming other people and start looking in the mirror. Then and only then will you start on the path to becoming a mature and productive adult. Life is not all about you and what you can get. If you choose to stay away from drugs, alcohol, violence and people that will bring you down, then the rest of your life will be much easier. Rely on yourself because no one else is going to hold your hand for the rest of your life.

At one time the YMCA ran what was Codys in the mall, and yeah it didn't last long. I guess it was hard to pay the lease selling sodas, that and low participation.

just buy all kids a computer and get them World of Warcraft and they will be occupied for hours!!!! LOL!!!!

Yes Cleric, you are correct. I have been trying to think of the names of these places but it escapes me.

Boo-freakin'-hoo! I grew up in Rockport (Class of '96) back when we had a ONE screen movie theater. If you went to the movies the weekend it came out, you were pretty much screwed for a couple of weeks waiting for a new release. Wow, I almost pulled a "back in MY day" rant. haha

Anyhow, there is SO much more to do in Victoria then there was when I was a teen (and still is that way). It of course does not matter what you have because no matter what kids will get "bored" of it.

Like now, Rockport does have a skate park but most of the kids are falling down...err skating in various business parking lots. As long as they are not affecting my path of walking into a place of business then I really do not have a problem with them. What I DO have a problem with is how loud the vast majority of teens are and their foul language. It really is not at all cool to cuss every third word nor is it appropriate. Well, maybe in a Quentin Tarintino flick, but you know what I'm saying.

This might have been said but I do believe that Victoria did have a teen dance club but it was unsuccessful. Can someone confirm? And didn't some place out by the mall have a "teen night" at one point?

Bottom line, regardless if someone is a teen or adult they have NO ONE but themselves to blame for the stupid decisions they make. It's nothing like "OH NO! Victoria does not have an emo hangout for us teens to go cut themselves at so I am going to join a gang!" or anything like that.

I know I was a teen once, but now as a 31 year old adult I can say I hate teenagers. Yes, I am sure that when the role was reversed and I was the teen, people hated my generation but that is the circle of life. My son will be 13 later this year and has already been more of a pain than before too. lol

Ernie - you took the words right out of my mouth!

ok, i have mixed feelings on this topic. on one hand, i am a young adult, who works, who is the process of carving a life for myself. on the other, i am YOUNG, and i want to have fun like all young ppl do. now i will agree, there arent very many interesting things for the younger generation to interest themselves in, but of that same token, this town is still making the transaction from the "church and family" town to an actual city with an activity-oriented atmosphere. but the change cannot happen on its own. if you want more activities out of this town/city, it takes investment. start a book club, a hobby league, meet at hastings. try and be creative.

Alrightythen, Ernie. I always respect and admire your posts, and generally agree with a lot that you have to say. But this subject has clearly touched a nerve. I do agree that so much of today's generation has a "you owe me" attitude, but I also remember being young and restless and so easily bored out of my skull. It really wasn't that long ago, and although my parents raised me with enough love and respect to let me test boundaries, I knew where they ended, and didn't dare venture past. I think most teens are that way. I was raised to be a self-starter, and being an only child, believe you me, I could entertain myself with a stick and some dirt and a vivid imagination. Not so many kids are raised that way today; there is too much information via computers, ipods, a constant assault on the senses. I think that their needs today are different, and their expectations are escalated.

What I'm trying to say, and maybe not doing it very well, is, to paraphrase The Who, "The kids are alright", and I think that most of them just want a little stimulation. I would rather that stimulation come from appropriate entertainment, self-made and otherwise. There are a couple museums here, and a library, a zoo, and other fun activities. But once you've been to those places a couple of times, it gets old. My world was so much bigger in Houston, and I am grateful I grew up in a big city that has so much to offer. Unfortunately, Victoria does not have that much to offer, although I have seen improvement from the 1980s. I believe Victoria will continue to improve, and look forward to its future. And, like it or not, these kids are its future. Better they should have too little time on their hands than too much.

Activities should start in the home, but there is a bigger world out there than that. I do think Victoria, in its growth, could use a unique facility or two for teenagers. But I do see your point as well. This response is not meant to offend, and I sincerely hope it didn't. I just see both sides of the issue, and I think my teen years would have been more "active" and perhaps more fulfilling had I spent the rest of them in Houston, simply due to the many outlets offered to young people.

Ok, I got a bit fired up there. And I still am, but I'll try to be a bit calmer.

Except - Bundy, you need to find a new home. If you're that dissatisfied with Victoria, move. Geeez. Second, if you don't like the rules, whether they're statutes, regulations, requirements, etc. you work to change them. Choosing to ignore those you don't agree with is anarchy. Granted, if DC doesn't get it's ka-ka collected, that - or revolution - may be a not-too-distant alternative, but let's not preach it to our youth as the status quo!

I agree that each generation is different. MaryAnn's right. That's just a simple fact. Different is not, in itself, wrong or detrimental but being destructively different is. You can be diffferent and improved too. My generation certainly had its faults and foibles but again, Bundy, it's the current generation that's given us crystal meth, noshing (whatever the hell that is), etc. No generation had or has a monopoly on lunacy. My generation also had its Martin Luther Kings, its Peace Corps volunteers, and hundreds of thousands who didn't subscribe to "sex, drugs and rock 'n roll."

It's all about choices and they are *your* choices. If you dislike the idea of, for example, school uniforms then don't push the envelope by wearing a skirt that leaves nothing to the imagination or pants pulled up to your knees. If you want to have *your* choice of clothing to wear to school, don't leave the administration with *only* the choice of instituting school uniforms to maintain a learning environment.

Oddly enough, the rest of the world doesn't exist solely to fulfill your needs.

Ernie

Ok, first of all I have to admit I haven't read ALL the comments on this letter but enough to know I have to say a few things before I go further and forget what I have on my mind.

First, I'll agree that the author approached the problem in a sensible way by broaching the subject. From there, though, we part company.

Foregoing the almost inevitable "in my day" beginning, how about a J-O-B? Or, if you're family is well-to-do enough that you don't need a paying position, I do believe volunteering was mentioned a couple of times. I certainly agree with your observation that "idle hands are the devil's workshop" but your idleness is also your choice. I also believe VBB listed a fairly extensive list of possible choices that are readily available and most of them, seven days a week. Again, if your family is well enough off that you have neither the need nor desire to work, I'll hardly be sympathetic to hearing that "bowling costs money." Give me a break. I would add, however, that the bowling alley (softball field, skating rink, etc.) are places to bowl and interact with friends, not a place to "hang out and plot how you can hurt the next guy." Again, what you do in these readily available places designed and existing to fill your leisure time is another choice - of *yours*. You can plot devilment anywhere.

Furthermore, your letter indicates clearly the current generation's "you owe me" attitude. Sadly, you learned a large part of that attitude from *my* generation. Here's a clue: I, the city, the state, the federal gov't *do* owe you a few things: Life, the freedom to come and go peacefully, the opportunity to pursue your happiness. I/we do NOT owe you nor anyone else your daily bread, a roof over your head,(see the definition for 'parent' for those things), nice wheels, an iPod, a personal computer, a cell phone, nor to be your personal scheduler, trainer and {ahem} friggin' baby sitter! You're sixteen, fercryinoutloud! Grow up and start taking some personal responsibility.

If a bowling alley, skate park, several parks, gymnastics, malls, stores, sports center, movie theaters, two public golf courses, one zoo, blah, blah, blah, etc etc just aren't filling your leisure needs and you think Victoria needs it's own ski resort [rolling eyes], get a job, save some money, buy a snow-maker and build a bloomin' mountain! I'm sorry, but I'm not going to vote for a trillion dollar bond so the gov't (city, state, whatever) can pander to your "take care of me" mentality.

Ernie

Houston and San Antonio have many interesting and exciting things to do.
That's why there are no gangs, drugs, or alcohol use among teens there.

Wowweeee, proveallthings, calm down, please! If you are alluding to what I said about today's generation being different, I meant NO offense to anyone. Each generation is different from the one before, and that is a fact. I didn't say it was a bad thing. I ask about these things in order to gain knowledge, because I have no children, and being an only child have had very little dealings with youth other than my own peers throughout my life. I am sure that most youth today don't enjoy Pong or Atari (JEEZ, now I'm dating myself there!), and I sincerely want to know what today's kids are into.
I was in girl scouts growing up and my cousins were in boy scouts. I think those are two wonderful organizations that afford many children opportunities they otherwise would not have, such as the camping and fishing you mention. My parents took me both camping and fishing many times growing up, but I was one of the lucky ones to have a close family that had the time and the resources to do that. So many kids today don't have that, and I agree with you that probably not as many as in years past have been fishing or camping. Maybe scouting organizations can help fill that gap, don't you think?
There are many people out there who want to help and donate their time. Some of us (such as myself) are kind of clueless about kids nowadays, and are not afraid to admit it.Do you have any ideas about what would help enrich the lives of these kids and keep them off the streets and out of trouble? If so, please share.
BTW - I grew up in Houston until my teens, and there was plenty to do in that big city, but still, most of my time was spent with my parents and grandparents. I believe that PARENTS are the most important thing in a child's life, but the cold, hard fact is that many are absent in one way or another a great majority of the time in today's world. I do not blame the youth for that.

But that's the thing, the kids don't need new city sponsored, tax payer funded hangouts. They need mom & dad to pay attention to them & do things with them as a family. The teen hangouts would soon turn into drug infested, gang infested, graffitti covered cesspools & then we'd be back to square one. Maybe Kayla & her friends & your kids friends need to write letters to their parents & family members asking for attention instead of asking the city.

You are right though, the kids today have changed but it's because parenting changed. Guess those quaalude popping early baby boomers did something right.

Have the young people changed? If so, how and why have they changed? Are the adults somewhat to blame? Or do we just blame the youth of today,and say " The youth of today is not the same as when I was growing up". Why have they changed? Were they born different? Or is it the world that We have created that has changed them? I'd like to back up on what N45BA had to say about San Antonio. The population there today is roughly about 1,144,646 and Victoria's population is about 74,000. A Huge difference. So I can't see comparing a town such as Victoria with a Huge City like SA. Oh and I hear that our population is going down,HMM,I wonder why. And you talked about Port O'connor,,what a Great place to take a kid fishing or just to get out of the house for awhile. When is the last time alot of the parents of today,,Took their kids on a good fishing or camping trip?. Many of my kids friends have Never been fishing or camping. Their fault?..The young people are still The young people,,and sure they have changed.. But is it their fault? These kids join gangs because to them its like joining a family. And No, its not a good idea to join That kind of family. But look at the divorce rate of today, Is that the kids fault?, We Blame the youth for our actions, and in my eyes that is wrong. They did not ask for what has been given to them. The least we could do is help them,,and that does not mean,buying them cell phones,,or new video games. A good starting place would be for us to take them out as a family and have some fun. Hey my family does it whenever we can. I see nothing wrong with creating a few new activity centers here for our young people. I do believe we have Plenty of new places to eat,,,so Mom dosent have to cook

Gee, when I was growing up in Victoria, we didn't have half the stuff y'all have now. I spent a few years at the "old mall" before we got the "new mall". We also didn't have cable, internet, our own cars when we turned 16, no cell phones, etc. I still managed to have fun with my friends & family. Me & my friends did stupid stuff like play actual games, walked around our neighborhood, went to the mall on Saturday, etc. Of course there were people who chose to drink & do drugs, but that was their choice. We all didn't choose to do that & there was far less to do then than now. Of course, I also had daily chores & homework to occupy most weekdays.

Last time I checked, most of the places you listed, were opened & run by individuals, not the city. There are plenty of dance studios, get your mom to sign you up for classes & take you every week. There are gymnastics classes, Putt-Putt, skating rink, frisbee golf, skate park, tennis courts, mall, YMCA, gyms, bowling alley, etc. I think you catch my drift. Maybe instead of complaining there isn't enough, you should actually look into what there is & think about what you would like to try. You shouldn't have to be drug to the water in order to drink, you should lead yourself.

I always thought being an individual was a good thing. Maybe you kids need to work on your individuality, developing your own likes, dislikes, morals, ethics, etc., instead of having to have them dictated to you by MSM & the city.

Thanks, Bundy. Now you've made me miss the old days....."this is the same generation that brought us LSD, quaaludes, cocaine, straking, long hair on males, and swinging"...Sigh....how I miss streaking, er, I mean "straking"...
I keed, people, I keed!!
Seriously, though, my dad many years ago had a dream of building a skating ring or dance place for teens in these sad little towns because there was just not much for them (me) to do, but truth be told mostly so he could find a way to keep me busy and out of trouble. There was always the Putt-Putt place in Victoria, though, and the park, and thus was my youth wasted.
I'm actually with you, Kayla. But today's youth is different than when I was growing up. What other kinds of entertainment would today's generation be most interested in? Are video arcades passe' now? Are coffee shops still "groovy" even without beat poets...I suppose after all, there are ipods to listen to. Skate parks, of which I hear Victoria may be getting one, are still popular, right? Any youth with ideas out there of what they would like to see? I like the water park idea, Kayla! And I think the idea of a teen club is pretty neat, as well. Maybe Victoria can see its way clear to construct a sort of "hangout", or club just for the younger generation.
If  a teen has too much time on their hands, volunteerism is a great way to utilize one's talents and time, and both sides, the giver and the recipient of that significant donation, benefit. I realize there are still nights that can get boring, though. Any other ideas, anyone? This is a very intersting topic.
 

Kayla, If your reading these comments,,Please don't get discouraged. I know that you were just simply asking for more activities in Victoria. But what are you getting in the comment section?...More lectures. Please don't let this stop you from trying to get as many of your friends to write. I've noticed that whenever its an issue about the teens or young adults, there always has to be long lectures in the comments. I do remember the days when there were more things to do here in Victoria. There was indoor golf,,,with batting cages,,,pool tables,,foosball tables,,and a jukebox. Concerts in the park,,,,frisbee playing any where you wanted to in the park,,and more... Sure there were adults there,,but we were not surrounded by security guards and Cops. Victoria does need more activities for our young adults,,,,your right. Let No one convince you otherwise. Seems to me that alot of adults have forgotten about the good times they had when they were young. And No, To all to the others that comment,,I'm not related to Kayla. She spoke,,and look what she gets for speaking. Now Ms Kayla,,,its my time to be attacked.

RR, I remember you quoting Charlotte from Sex in the City as one of your "authorities" on sex, so I think the media has affected you more than you want to admit. ;-}
BTW, there was a recent study that showed that teens who watched those types of shows were more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior at an early age.http://www.news-medical.net/?id=17112
"According to a new study teenagers between the ages of 12 and 14 who use media with high sexual content are up to 2.2 times more likely to have sex by the time they are 16 than those who use less of such media.
It seems sexually charged music, magazines, TV and movies encourages youngsters into sex at an earlier age, possibly by suggesting that everyone else is doing it."
From "Sex in the Media Aimed at Teens Encourages Promiscuity"
 So yes, the media does influence, for better or worse, and often for worse.

I appreciate your concerns for the youth of Victoria! I can
assure you there are many things around Victoria that are worthwhile. I encourage you to look for what is there. sometimes thinking outside the box can bring some refreshing results. it is not always about fun and games. Life brings a whole world of things that are fulfilling, we just have to reach out there and go for it. I was raised in a community about one hour from Victoria. as a young person, i always compained that there was nothing to do. Yes compared to other bigger cities, this was valid however, i found as I reached out other things like church yout groups, FFA, sports events, volunteering ans such, it helped me to realize what is out there that makes the heart ful good and joy fulfilled. Again, thank you for being willing to expose your heart. I see big things for you one day!

She did do a good thing by trying to reach out. That's the first step. The second step is listening to all advice and seeing past what you want to see. I hops some of these posts will give her some positive ideas and a starting place.

I agree Suzy, and it'll take meeting up with the right adults to point her in that direction.
Hey, she's reaching out by writing a letter to the editor, so I believe there is much hope, even thought I don't agree with the tone of the letter.
But.... you have to meet people where they are in this case. Right?

There are so many things that kids can volunteer their time for. Maybe that is what the city can do. Hook kids up where they are needed. Help organize ways for transportation if needed.
It's time that kids quit seeing "only" the gimme-gimme side of things. I don't mean to sound mean or anything, but this girl, and others like her, need to see past what is easy and discover a whole 'nother world out there.

Doesn't Victoria have a Boys/Girls Club and/or a YMCA?

What about the new skate park, or just the parks in general?

I know not all teens are attracted to such things, but Victoria has A LOT more to offer than the town where I live. (That can also be seen as a negative, but that's another topic.)

I see many of the points that Suzy made as valid. Some kids today still do have WORK to do at home or work at an outside job. And... there are sports, 4-H, homework, church, family responsibilities, and volunteering in the community.

I realize that most of these activities require INVOLVED parents or guardians to get the kids started and/or oversee what's going on.

That's why I don't agree with all of what the writer said, but I do read into it somewhat of a cry for help.

One poster mentioned mentoring. Sounds like this girl could use a good adult role model.

Anyone know the number of a mentoring group here in town? Maybe that information would help this young person and others like her if it was seen here.

I live in a different county, and though I'm not involved in mentoring specifically, I do volunteer work weekly with teenage youth.

With a little help and encouragement, this girl could be writing another letter in a few months about what she has been able to DO/accomplish.

I don't think my comment was negative, it is reality. Kids of yesterday didn't have all those things mentioned, and most of them turned out just fine. Most of them didn't turn to drink, drugs, gangs, or other bad activities just because they didn't have anything better to do. It's a choice one makes..nothing more, nothing less. It's a cop-out blaming ones actions on what is or isn't provided for them. Good, or bad, comes from within one's soul.
People want someting to blame? Blame the economy and the fact that both parents have to work to make ends meet, and as a result, they are not there for their kids after school. Kids don't have chores anymore, they don't have to contribute to the household. They are not given responsibility and "expected" to do their share.
Hey, but I'm oldschool, what do I know....right?

It is great to see a young person of Victoria take positive action. Kayla, don't let the negative comments of anyone stop you (especially Suzy...)

Wheather or not you agree with this VISD student's comments, keep in mind that she delt with her issue in a very appropriate manner; one from which most adults could learn. She stated the problem (teens getting into trouble), examined a possible cause (lack of teen-friendly activities in Victoria), and offered a solution (teen disco, water parks, etc.).

As a mother, someone who works with teens, and a member of this community, I agree with Kayla. The more we give to the kids in our community, the more we, as a whole, will prosper.

Most kids don't get involved in volunteer opportunities becuase they, nor their parents, know of them. Instead of complaining about kids in general, mentor one or two students a semester and make a difference. If we agree to better ourselves and someone else, we can only succeed.

Kayla,
I'm so glad that you spoke up,,and wrote this letter. We need more of our youth in this town to do just as you did. So if you can,try to get as many of your friends to write letters speaking their minds. So many don't realize that you all are our Future,,and so many are so onesided its unreal. I commented many times about the dress code issue,,Only to be shot down by so many....Many True colors really started showing in alot of adults,,,when I said let them dress as they chose. But Yes indeed we need More things for the youth of today to Do in this so called Town. It seems like whatever they find thats fun for the youth,,,They find something wrong with it...I ask of you to please get as many of your friends to write letters,, For this is the Only way we may have a chance of you all being heard. I myself,,hear ya loud and clear,,and am with you all the way.............By the way,,roberttx,,I loved your comment,:)

maybe they'll be able to hang out at the school uniform store in the near future

..."There are many problems with us teens today. I believe if we had more interesting and exciting things to do, we wouldn't be hooked on drugs, alcohol and violence."...

Isn't it just like teenagers to always blame others when they mess up? And, to expect taxpayers to give them something to keep themselves out of trouble....sheesh!!
No one twists people arms to do drugs, drink, or join gangs. It's a personal choice.
How about "choosing" to do something worthwhile, like voluneering to helping other people, or cleaning up your neighborhood. There are many agencies that could use your help and it just may make you feel good enough about yourself that you won't have time, or the need, to think about booze, gangs, or drugs.

Nice letter Kayla. I'm sorry you have been forced to live in this dump of a town. But let this teach you a life lesson. When you are older, and in a position of authority, don't have such disdain for the youth that the older generations now have for you. Resist bad ordinances like curfews. Call and complain to the Police Chief when they harass teenagers for "hanging out." Fight against stupid school uniforms. In short, don't be a hypocrite.
The ruling class of this town is a disgrace. They constantly chastise the youth for their style, behavior and habits. But keep one thing in mind - this is the same generation that brought us LSD, quaaludes, cocaine, straking, long hair on males, and swinging. They have so much shame in them for their past misdeeds that they now feel the need to project it on the youth of today.
I sincerely hope that you can find a way out of this cesspool known as Victoria.

Dear Kayla, Thank you for the letter and you keep up the fight. I feel sorry for teenagers today because every where they turn they are reciving the wrong message. The media tells them to have sex before marriage. The schools have banned the 10 commandments, prayer, the bible and God from the school system. The doctors tell them to get on birth control steroids. And with all the noise how can they even hear their gaurdian angel and God?
Kayla, seek the things that are good and pure and holy and set goals for school, family and friends. Best, Grandpaul Paul.