by Ben West and Abbie Carson
News Editors

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
                                   -Anonymous.

   This quote presents some valuable advice with regards to accurately presenting yourself through the words you choose. Every day students at LGHS act or say things that could undermine the way they present themselves to the outside world. The carelessness that these students show in their interactions reflects badly upon themselves and, ultimately, on their reputations. This sentiment embodies the phenomenon that teenagers are becoming increasingly lackadaisical about what they are saying, regardless of who is listening.

   Part of the problem of students misrepresenting themselves originates from the fact that students are often not fully aware of their surroundings. Hence, students do not take into account who may or may not be overhearing a conversation. While students may feel that their conversations are private, and that their jokes will not go farther than the ears of their listeners, this is not always the case.  While the speakers know the context of their conversations, the eavesdroppers most likely do not and are liable to take at face value what is said during the discourse.  This jeopardizes the reputation of the speaker, and if the meaning extrapolated by the eavesdropper comes back to the speaker, that person would surely be shocked. Students should be more conscience about who could be in ear-shot of a conversation.

  
   Take the example of Barack Obama, who, during an off-the-record portion of an interview with a reporter, mentioned his personal opinions concerning the recent actions of Kanye West during the MTV Video Music Awards. Because he thought that his audience consisted only of the reporter at hand, he attempted to create an atmosphere of greater camaraderie by using a mildly profane word. Obama did not stop to consider the consequences of his actions and subsequently allowed the carelessness of his words to dictate his reputation in the public eye.  Similar to the example of Obama, everybody is always under the scrutiny of others with regards to word choice and should all be mindful of those around us, whether it is a classmate or a news reporter. This example represents the growing trend of adolescents being unaware of both what they are actually saying and the possible consequences of their words.

  
   Facebook is an oft-cited but quintessential example of the unfortunate consequences that this lack of proper social awareness can have. It is a well-known fact that some colleges and employers are now exploring these often-uncensored forums in order to get a more accurate picture of the candidate whom they are considering.  When a profile is strewn with immature remarks, petty observations about other people, and excessive profanity, the reader of these platitudes will likely have a lower image of the writer.

   
   As the youth of today becomes increasingly comfortable with indiscriminately broadcasting impulsive banter, they begin to exhibit the quality previously mentioned in the quote of making actions become habits. Inevitably, because this laissez-faire attitude becomes more prevalent in their daily interactions, these habits turn into perceptions in the eyes of others, disallowing the ability to create an image of themselves that they would like to have.

   
   Although you may know that you are joking, others who are passively listening to casual conversation or searching your profile may not. Just like in the example of Obama and Facebook, if words are misinterpreted, you could militate against your own future success.  In order to prevent miscommunication and the creation of inaccurate images of yourself, chose your words carefully and consider the possible reprocussions.