This story originally aired on 12/31/12, WABE-FM, Atlanta.

By Alexander Mead

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Most students get nervous before taking a big test. But my jitters are for a different reason than you might think: I have Cerebral Palsy. 

It’s hard for me to use my hands to do tasks that require fine motor skills – like tying a shoelace. So I was afraid of taking the SAT, worried I would have to handwrite my essay or fill in the answer bubbles.

Luckily, since I was born after the Americans with Disabilities Act passed, the College Board allowed me to type my essay and to simply mark my answers in the test booklet. I took the same test as everyone else – I just took it in a different way. Without those accommodations, I'm sure my score on the SAT would have been too low to get into college. I frequently hear in political debates: get government out of our lives. But while some people might criticize the ADA as “big government” interference, I am very grateful that the act passed because it helps me to lead a normal life.

Previously on WABE:

* Figuring Out the Job Market Without A College Degree
* Advice From A Baseball Fan

* Occupy Election Booths, Not Streets

This story originally aired on 12/24/12, WABE-FM, Atlanta.

By Courtney Farmer

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When I walk through my school’s cafeteria doors and reach the food counter, I'm usually disappointed: To me, the salad is a little too wilted, the tuna fish looks a bit too brown and the apples feel mushy. I simply lose my appetite.

Normally, people use the term “food desert” when they're talking about a neighborhood without access to fresh fruits or vegetables. But I call my school a food desert.

Unfortunately, congress recently blocked a proposal that would have required more fruits & vegetables in school lunches. To legislators, tomato paste on pizza counts as a vegetable, which is ridiculous, and not just because tomatoes are fruits! Sure, I know it would probably cost more money to server healthier foods, but there is also a cost to eating processed foods.

Rather than go hungry, I bring my own lunch to school.   I try to pack things that are nutritious, like a bag of grapes and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It's hard to believe simple food options like these can't be done on a big scale. Especially now with studies showing the increase in students depending on free or reduced lunch meals.

Previously on WABE:

* Figuring Out the Job Market Without A College Degree
* Advice From A Baseball Fan

* Occupy Election Booths, Not Streets

This story originally aired on 12/17/11, on WABE-FM, Atlanta.

By Barbara Dougherty

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In a few months, most of my friends will be graduating from college - without me. I dropped out last fall, half way through my junior year. But I still hope to finish my degree someday. I’ve heard the statistics that people with college diplomas will earn more money than those who don’t have degrees.

I also know the unemployment rate isn't good for people who don't finish college. On top of all that, the thought of so many people my age soon entering the job market, competing with me, is intimidating. But my mother has helped me calm my feelings of inadequacy. She always reminds me that I have been successful at getting jobs: from busing tables to managing a frozen yogurt shop.

And now, I have a totally awesome position at a successful startup business - making all natural bath and body products by hand! I sell them at weekend festivals and markets. It’s an intensely fun outlet for my creativity and I’m getting some really great retail experience.

Though I'm disappointed that I didn’t finish college, I’m proud of myself for effectively selling myself to employers in this tight market. When my friends begin looking for jobs next summer, I’ll be able to give them advice on resumes, impressing potential employers, and being a responsible employee.

Previously on WABE:

This story was originally broadcast on 12/10/11, WABE-FM, Atlanta.

By Mahmood Thompson

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Whether it’s freezing rain or a muggy 90 degree heat, I’m sitting in the stands cheering for the Atlanta Braves. I’m what you call a die-hard fan. Most of the games I go to are with my dad; he’s been going to the games since before I was even born. The two of us are worried about the team and I really want them to do better next season. I’ve been a Braves fan for the last 3 years. I started following the team when they tried but failed to make the post season… that was disappointing. I go to at least 20 games a year and watch all the others on television. But when I’m at Turner Field and seeing the game first-hand, I stay to the end - whether we’re up 10-1 or we are down 10-1.

I truly care about them and feel like I’m part of the team. Even though I’m just a teenager, I can get carried away and imagine I’m the manager myself. I have been thinking a lot about things the team needs: There are times when youthfulness has its advantages: And with the Braves pitchers, our rookies are so good that we can let go of some of our tiring and untalented guys. I know some older folks will disagree, but I don’t think youth screw up so much.

I look forward to cheering through a lot of games next year, so I hope we make it to the playoffs. But don’t worry, I still plan on sitting in my seat again next year during the regular season - even if I’m not the manager.

Previously on WABE:

This story was originally broadcast on 12/4/11 on WABE-FM, Atlanta.

By Stanley Stewart

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Watching the Occupy movement in Atlanta, I thought to myself:  “Finally. My generation’s social and political apathy is over - people are taking a stand!” But weeks have turned into months, and I can’t help but think that nothing is really getting accomplished. I was a participant in Occupy Atlanta’s protests when they began. Each rally was full of loud bullhorns bursting through the air and there were hand-written signs of defiance for all to see. My favorite sign read “Money Talks, 99% Walks.” My heart swelled with pride, as I’ve been waiting for a movement like this to spur Americans into action - especially youth like me.
 
But now, I’ve changed my mind about the best approach to make change. Camping out in a park for months on end and countless marches aren’t exactly ending economic inequality. Instead of taking to the streets, people should be taking to the election booths.  We should occupy our legislators’ mailboxes and telephone lines, not the parks.  I turn 18 next year and I can’t wait to vote. I think my ballot will make more of a difference than marching down Peachtree Street. Rather than filling up space at a city jail, it seems my fellow protestors and I should put our energy towards electing officials to occupy seats in congress and city hall who will make the changes we want. 

Previously on WABE:

* Why Make Impossible Beauty Goals?

* Family Ties And Mom's New Baby

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This story was originally published on 11/26/11, WABE-FM, Atlanta.

By Naomi Stamps

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Some of my confidence has come from my parents who have always told me how beautiful I am. I’m so blessed that they have instilled so many positive and godly things inside of me so that I can brush off any bad things others may say about me.

I try to tell my friends to do what I do. They don’t.

Instead, they compare themselves to Ciara, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and other celebrities. They make impossible beauty goals for themselves and then feel bad. When I hear young girls talk about body issues, I always hear my father’s voice saying, “Don’t let someone’s negativity affect you. Let your positive mindset affect them.”

I have mentors who not only teach me skills like playing the piano and creative writing, but also give me positive feedback. Many are women I can look up to and who have real beauty – not the magazine kind.

I’m proud of the way I look. Let the celebrities be who they are, because I am perfectly fine just being me.

Prevoiusly on WABE:

* Family Ties and Mom's New Baby

* Learning American Culture In The Fast Food Lane

This story was originally published on WABE-FM, Atlanta.

By Deborah Harris

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For ten years, my family has consisted of my mom, a younger sister and me. We’ve moved around a lot. From California, to Arizona, to Georgia and Florida. We’ve lived in at least seven different places in the past two years and I love it. I like the fact that I’ve gotten used to adapting quickly in different situations. So much change has made me really close to my mom and my sister.

This year, my mom delivered my youngest sister at our house. She didn’t even have a nurse or a midwife with her. Only the baby’s daddy was there with her. My mom said she planned on having more kids. I wonder how our family dynamic will change now. I love the thought of a bigger family – cheaper by the dozen, right? But I also wonder if my close-knit family will come apart.

As my mom’s first baby, she always provided me with security and love through hard times and constant change. And now, as the oldest child, I can help my mom do the same for my youngest sister. As people say, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When life gives you a baby, well, you love her.

Previously on WABE:

* Learning American Culture In The Fast Food Lane

* Always The New One In School: Rules For Survival

The following was originally broadcast on 11/12/11, WABE-FM Atlanta

By: Aaron Choi

I immigrated to the United States from South Korea when I was twelve years old. My first fast food experience was a few days after I arrived. I strolled into a local Burger King to try out their famous burgers. After a short glance at the menu, I ordered what looked to be the most American meal the store had to offer: the number six combo. A rich steakhouse burger with fries and a large coke.

The following was originally broadcast on 11/5/11, WABE-FM Atlanta.

By Lydia Briggs

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On the first day of fifth grade I was really mad. Everyone knew each other. They were talking about their summer vacations and how great it was to be back together. I was a new student, having just moved into town from Alabama. I was angry at my parents for screwing up my life, for never having a stable home. I thought I would never fit in or have any friends.

Now, years later, I feel like I finally know the game. Once again, I’m at a new school. This time, in ninth grade. It’s become routine: the new faces that seem new somehow aren’t. I’ve never seen them before, but I somehow know what they are all about. I think I am a semi-expert now on starting the school year in a strange place, since I am constantly changing schools.

I have rules now to stop from being a loner. First, I try not to make too much eye contact. It sounds snobby, but it’s really just being cool. I also try not to fit in too much. And finally, I make sure to wear clothes that other people are wearing but still have my own style.

I’m not mad at my parents anymore, since I’ve figured out how to handle new schools with my survival techniques.

Atlanta's public schools are in an intense transition phase after the discovery of a major cheating scandal involving 178 teachers, principals, and school district officials. Teachers altered students’ test documents from the 2009 Criterion Referenced Competency Test, so that they could report higher scores, according to WABE-FM, Atlanta.

Today, officials began identifying and firing these employees. The scandal took place under Dr. Beverly Hall, former superintendent of the Atlanta School District, who has been accused of intimidating teachers, and promoting a culture where high scores are more important than anything.

Hall responded, "I sincerely apologize to the people of Atlanta and their children for any shortcomings. If I did anything that gave teachers the impression that I was unapproachable and unresponsive to their concerns, I also apologize for that. Where people consciously chose to cheat, however, the moral responsibility must lie with them."

The school district hired interim Superintendent Erroll Davis who is rushing to get things in place before the new school year.

WABE-FM, Atlanta reports:

"It is our intent to fill all of the positions that do become vacant by the start of school," said Davis.

Davis is calling for the state to train school employees who coordinate the CRCT. As for future results of that test, Davis says he wants to set realistic achievement goals. If future scores surpass those goals, that will trigger an investigation. Those steps are focused on the future.

But Davis says students who had their test answers changed need help now. "I want to review the remediation plans that we have in place to address student deficiencies to make sure that those who have been cheated receive the remedial training that they do need," said Davis.

Other recommendations include changing which office handles ethical complaints. Davis said his plan is only the beginning. So far, the school board likes what it is hearing. By a vote of 6-0, with two members absent, the board unanimously adopted Davis' plan and the state's investigation.