Youth Spotlight

Jennay Jones

When I was in high school, I came across CATS (Concerned About Teen Sexuality, a division of Abstinence the Better Choice, Akron, Ohio). I was involved from sophomore year to my senior year. We went through different classes, getting training on what abstinence is and then we would go around to different high schools in the Akron public school district to give talks about why we chose to stay abstinent.I’ve spoken to more than 2,000 students.

As time went on, the passion became greater. I began to do different things with youth groups. I just began to see a burden because I would see teen pregnancy, and just knowing teens who had STDs made me want to do something about this problem. Further on in my own family, coming from a family where teen pregnancy was something that was a norm, and I didn’t want to see it anymore. My parents were teen parents and I have older sisters who were teen parents. It’s something I knew I didn’t want for my life, and I wanted to be an example.

I love being able to say, I am 22 years old and I want to be sexually abstinent until marriage.

Usually, when I talk to students, I always say with each and every one of you, there is such an awesome destiny and an awesome purpose for you. Sex doesn’t have to define who you are. Being a positive individual and having values and boundaries—that is setting a standard.

Of course sometimes I am talking to students who are already sexually active. To them I say, you can always regain your abstinence back. First, really know that it’s never too late to start over, even if you are a teen mother or a teen dad, you can start over.

Having boundaries and not compromising have gotten me to the place I am today. Not to say that I was perfect. I just wanted to make sure that I made healthy choices. I still have fun. I just really make sure that is put out first if anyone approaches me. Not only in relationships, but also with friendship. I have to let my friends know there are certain things I just won’t do.

The main thing that really helped me out was my faith. I had to really depend on it. There were times of crying and times of rejection because I wasn’t giving in to the pressure, but I knew there would be such a great outcome. You know that if you go into those unhealthy doors, you’re walking into a room that might affect your future. I had to really focus on that. I also had supportive friends and family, even Abstinence the Better Choice helped me out too. After I graduated, I was still involved by working for the organization. Also, focusing on my career, my goals and my desires has helped. I want to own my own business, a clothing line, a magazine, and being a worship leader and singing in my music ministry, these are the things I am focused on. I truly believe that things are happening in my life because of the healthy choices I have made. But I have to let young people know it’s never too late…leave the past behind.

The National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth is pleased to present a new series featuring youth champions of abstinence education. In the coming weeks, we'll offer profiles of young people who have not only made the decision to wait but have also been through and volunteered in abstinence education programs around the country— empowering other teens to make the same choice. If you have outstanding teens in your program, let us know about them. E-mail: dbertrand@ncfy.com.