AGW readers talk about current issues!

Hunting & Poaching

There is a difference between hunting and poaching. It isn't bad to hunt. But it's bad to poach. Hunting is killing an animal to feed the hunter's family. Poaching is killing an animal so that the poacher can be rich from a special part of the animal's body. But how do you think pioneers and pilgrims and Indians ate? They would've starved to death if they did not hunt. God put animals on this earth for humans to have food. They were made for us to eat. Like I said before, hunting is fine, poaching is bad. People poach so they can wear animal skins and look "fancy". But hunters hunt so they can have food. So realize the difference between hunting and poaching. Those of you who think hunting is bad, there's a difference.

- Katie, 11, Washington (PenPal #10702)

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Locks of Love

I used to have my hair down to my stomach, but now it's up to my shoulders! The reason it's up to my shoulders is because I donated eight inches of my hair to a company called Locks of Love. What they do is they cut off more than 4 inches of your hair (you decide) and then they make it into a wig for kids with Cancer and Alopecia Arieata, a disease where you become allergic to all of your hair and it falls off. I did this at my school because it was a special day to give it to this charity, but you always can give to Locks of Love!

In order to participate you can give ten inches of your hair (or less if you'd like) and you need your hair in a pony tail up to where you want them to cut it. Then when they cut it off it either gets shipped to a company to make a wig, or (if it's less than 6 inches) they'll sell it to make money from it to get other wigs for the kids. I love how my hair looks, although it's harder to braid now. I hope I'm going to make a kid verry happy. Please do Locks of Love!

- Nikki, 11, Florida

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Being Bullied!

Everyone, at some stage in their life, will experience being bullied!

The only reason people bully other people, is because they feel insecure about themselves. They aren't happy with their life, so they try to ruin your life, too!

At first you may just think they’re joking. But if they keep doing it, and when you ask them to stop they don't, then its definitely bullying, and you need to do something about it! I know people say that you should inform a teacher or parent, but this may sometimes make it worse!

I'm not saying that you have to be mean back, you just have to stand up to them! You need to say, “Hang on, what you’re doing is not right!” You cannot let these people treat you like that. So just remember, anything they say is not true. Stand up for yourself, and don't take anything personally!

- Sarah, 13, Australia

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Inside and Outside

I wanted to write about today's society. It has changed tremendously over the years! For example, girls these days are to worried about make-up and boys and being in "the popular group." That's where I draw the line.

A boy or make-up doesn't make you who you are. You're you and there is no other you. Sure it's "cool" to wear make-up or to have a boyfriend but it's not! Do you know what make-up does to your skin?! Unless you wash your face good then your face will get zits!

Now with boys, oh, they're another story! First, let me say I'm not criticizing any girl for liking these things. I'm just saying don't make it your life. Anyways with boys, if you truly care about him, and he cares about you, what have you got to lose? But don't just do it because your friend has a boyfriend. You wouldn't be happy and neither would your boyfriend.

To all you girls who are insecure, don't worry about the outside, the inside counts. And sometimes if you watch hard, most pretty girls aren't really paid attention to. People don't really listen; they just hang out with her because she's pretty. No one's perfect, just remember that.

- Bailey, 11, Alabama