I believe I was in 9th grade (that's about four years ago) when my Aunt told me, "When you graduate, you get to pick the vacation. Even if it's to another country." It's nice to have an Aunt and Uncle who make a good living and can afford to take themselves (and me) on vacation. I however, am very modest. I didn't want to pick a vacation because I hate the idea of spending too much money. My Aunt added later, "We'll even take you on a cruise if you don't get pregnant before graduation!" Whoa. Hold it there, what did you say? That's right, the P word. To the most of you who know me already, you'd understand how ludicrous this statement is. Not only have I never had a steady boyfriend...or any boyfriend for that matter, but I have firm beliefs against drug use, smoking, and underage sex. So yeah, this statement shocked me for sure. I called my Aunt out on that one, saying, "Who do you think I am?" Her response wasn't satisfying enough. It appears that the teen image today is so bad that any of us could be considered "one of the bad apples". This bothers me, mostly because I'm what you may call a "goody-two-shoes". It's a lame phrase that announces I have respect for myself and my health. This wasn't the only incident in which someone inadvertantly accused me of behavior I don't do. At my father's store, a customer from out-of-town just got talking with me. She was wondering what there was to do in the area. I told her about the only local attraction, a family arcade/bowling center that has since closed. I don't remember who said it, but drug use was mentioned, and suddenly she goes, "So you use drugs too?" I got mad right away, and cooly told her I don't do drugs. She gave a sly smile and said, "Oh really?" In fourth grade, a rumor was spread around about me and my guy friend having sex. Similar rumors would get started about other people too, but nobody ever seemed to understand how untruthful rumors could be. I was being punished with accusations because of today's culture. I don't do drugs, yet some random lady gave me a knowing smile and said she didn't believe me. My own family seemed to indicate that I could hardly restrain myself before graduation. These wouldn't be the only incidents, but you've gotten the idea by now. How fair is it to judge others on the basis of a culture gone wrong? I am not a pregnant teen or a drug abuser, yet I must watch what I say and do because someone may assume I'm something I'm not. I'm sure this will continue to happen for years to come, as more oblivious people say things that make me feel ashamed--even though I'm undeserving of it. I can only hope that times will change, the crazy teens of today will level out, and a tiny bit of sanity will reign in the future. I hope.