photo: Stuck in Customs/ BY-NC-SA

As heard on WABE, Atlanta.
Part of this commentary was cut short in the broadcast version. This transcript reflects the full essay.

By Myia Lane-Vickers

Many of my friends have tough lives. Heck, most of them live in single family homes and face struggles every day - but I don’t think they would ever consider ending their lives. Yet, suicide is ranked as the third leading cause of death for American teenagers.

Recently, while listening to the radio in the car on my way to school, I heard on the news that a young lady committed suicide. She was just 17 years old like me. But apparently she was unlike me in one way because I think committing suicide is pathetic. From my perspective, the girl had no vision for the future. I myself am looking forward to many things, like attending college next year – hopefully in California.

The newscaster said the girl who died was a church going girl! As someone who goes to church, I don’t know how that can be. I believe her decision to end her life shows no belief in a higher source, so it’s hard for me to have sympathy for her. Sadly, her parents will never be able to see her accomplish major goals, marry, live happy, settle in a career, and make a difference. She didn’t even graduate high school.

I wake up each morning with a positive attitude. I am thankful for my life - it is a gift that I choose to live every day. Even on days that I am sick, fail a test or get yelled at by mother, I know it’s just part of life. If it rains when I am at the beach in Florida, my vacation isn’t ruined.

I can’t imagine suicide as a solution for anyone’s problems. I would hope a friend would ask me for help if they were in crisis – I would never want to hear that they ended their life.