D#4 HW#9 WP#1

*i can't seem to figure out how to keep the formatting when i post things on here. I could really use some help on the flow of my paper, i think overall I've got some good ideas going, i don't know that i effectively got them out. also help me out with the commas its my weak point! thanks!!!




Should sex education be required in schools?
The taboo topic that rules our very world. Parents are often embarrassed to have “the talk” with their kids. This fact is undeniable, you see it advertised on commercials on popular networks such as MTV; about sites you can go to for tips on how to talk to your teen about sex. In my opinion, people are all too often living with eyes wide closed, filling their heads with thoughts like, “yeah, but that won’t happen to me” or “not my kid”. From a young age you are required to learn up to certain standards to move forward in school, which is then carried on later in life in a career. You even need to attend classes to get a drivers license. To bad they don’t make you take a sex class before you embark on that little adventure, literally putting your life on the line if you don’t know what you’re doing. Or how about receiving a certificate of completion before you are allowed to have a baby.
I was personally fortunate enough to receive sex education since the fourth grade. I personally think it was a great time, and perfect age to introduce the topic in general. The teaching was focused on personal hygiene and emphasis on anatomical changes, that would soon be happening in all of our pre-teen bodies. Parents had to sign a permission slip in order for you to be part of the class, and surprisingly many parents did not grant their student permission. Through the years this section of education stayed the same, changing only slightly in middle school when you watched the birth of a baby in science. At the time my peers and I all thought the scene was quite disturbing and long off in terms of direct relation to our lives. The funny truth is, that not more than two years later, that far fetched situation turned into a life changing reality for some my very age. I sat next to a pregnant girl in Spanish my sophomore year of high school. I thought of how hard it must have been for her. While the rest of us were thinking about the superficial, she had to think about future childcare arrangements, if she would be able to go to college, and if the father of her child would stick around to help her. There are high schools that actually have on site child care because so many of the students have babies. My senior year was no less educational when one of my very close friends contracted herpes. She just so happened to be one of those people who did not receive sex education, and sadly her parents never talked her about the risks. Now she has an incurable disease to deal with for the rest of her life, a totally preventable situation. Her ignorance, and many others is to blame for the spread of STDs’ in young people.
The purpose of this research and writing is to inform others of the unintentional ignorance that plagues our populations young people. To express my opinion on the topic, and explain why it is necessary for sex education to be a mandatory requirement in schools. It is vital to arm our societies young men and women with the knowledge to protect themselves and make smart decisions. Making an uneducated decision in this matter could cost them their future health and well being. I believe it would be beneficial to take chance out of the scenario that parents will educate their children on the topic.
In my opinion safe-sex should be taught in schools from a young age. I believe it would breed less curiosity, and effectively arm young people with the information necessary to practice safe-sex, know the risks, and be responsible. With this powerful knowledge how could our youth go wrong? There would without a doubt be a decrease in teen pregnancy and spread of STDs’. I am approaching this topic as one of these young people whose life has indirectly been affected by these very issues. I have two younger sibling who I worry about daily, and talk to openly about my knowledge on the subject, and encourage them to make healthy, smart decisions in their own lives. I understand that they are not receiving the same sex-education that I did, and are not being talked to enough from our parents. Not at the fault of our parents at all, but my siblings find it uncomfortable to speak with them about it.
My focused audience will most likely include teens, young adults, parents, and anyone interested in the topic. My audience will want to know factual, interesting information on whether sex-education has effects on the health of young people. I’m sure they will also be interested in opposing arguments, opinions, and viewpoints so they can come to a conclusion of their own. They will need concrete evidence and relateable experiences noted in order to connect with the topic.
This topic is very controversial because people have so many different personal opinions. My audience cares because it directly affects them, their families, and friends. They can all relate in one way or another. I plan to research health websites for stats on sex education and its effectiveness. I’m going to talk to my siblings and parents in an effort to hear other view points, and gain some insight to their point of view. I will also consult some of the bloging sites to see what other people are going through, talking about, and what opinions they have.
There are limitations to this project, because there are so very many variables to be considered. Opposing view points, beliefs, and situations that have occurred can not all be directly incorporated. However here is an opportunity to shed light on an important topic, put the facts out there, and express my own opinion and concepts. I plan to give the audience something to relate to. There is the challenge of effectively addressing the audience, which is so broad and opinionated, coming from different age groups, lifestyles, opinions, and beliefs. Overall I feel like I should be able to over come these challenges by doing the research and presenting the facts in a relatable manner. I hope for a healthier future for tomorrows youth.