Friday, April 4, 1997

Specter talks to youth

By CARRIE DELEON
Collegian Staff Writer

One U.S. senator took time away from his legislative agenda to find out what is on the minds of area high school students yesterday.

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., fields questions on topics ranging from drugs and sex education to social security from State College Area High School students. Specter spoke briefly yesterday about issues important in the lives of youths today. (Collegian Photo / Timothy Gyves - click for full size image)

U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., took time off from legislative activities to speak briefly to about 100 students at State College Area High School about drugs, abstinence and education. He also gave advice and answered questions, but he was primarily concerned with the audience's views.

"I could stand up here and talk to you about what's going on in Washington," Specter said, "but I really want to know what's on your mind.

"It is important for us in Congress to know that the young people are thinking," he added

Specter, chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, stressed to the students the importance of getting the most from their education.

It is important with the current state of the challenging job market, Specter said, to develop skills they will need for the future.

Specter also stressed the importance of making healthy decisions concerning drugs and sex.

The most important way to combat the drug problem among teenagers is through education, Specter said during his 30-minute speech. Education can make people really understand what drugs can do to the body and mind, he said.

"People need to know what drugs have done to other people," he said.

By teaching that the disadvantages of drugs outweigh the advantages, Specter said, students will not be encouraged to experiment with drugs.

With issues such as morality, disease and pregnancy, Specter said, abstinence should be taught in high school, without teaching the alternative of safe sex. But Specter said he is unsure if such a method is possible.

Specter asked the students what they thought was the more appropriate method of teaching sex education. An overwhelming majority of students raised their hands to say they would rather learn about condoms and safe sex than abstinence.

For the students who do not choose abstinence, it is important to teach about condoms and birth control, said Jon Ganter, a junior.

"Students make up their minds whether or not to have sex before they step into class," he said.

Specter left the students with something to think about.

"I urge you all to at least reflect on these issues," Specter said, "and make the right decisions."