Meet The Girls › Elena

Elena

It’s only natural for (my parents) to have concerns about who I’m talking to online, especially if I haven’t met them"

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Best thing about being a Girl Scout:Being challenged to go out of my comfort zone to accomplish things that I might have been hesitant to do on my own
Favorite season:I love all the seasons.
Favorite band or type of music:I honestly enjoy listening to everything.
Three items could I not live without:My music, a computer, and a Calvin & Hobbes comic book
Personal motto or favorite quote:"There is no limit to love's forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure."
Most important qualities in friendsBeing able to talk about anything and everything with friends and knowing that, even if we don't agree, they won't judge me.

About Me

My name is Elena. I am a high school senior and have been educated at home. I love to read and write, and to spend time with my family and friends. Recently, I have taken an interest in photography and in bowling. I love them both! I also enjoy chatting and role playing on the computer.

Why I advocate for online safety.

I really feel that it is important for everyone, especially teenagers, to advocate online safety. The more that people know about combating the real and growing dangers of online predators and cyberbullies, the better. And the more people who know about these dangers, the better! Teens have their own social network and it can be instrumental in "spreading the word," particularly because more and more teens are using the Internet. In addition, efforts to increase Internet safety awareness might be more effective for teenagers if teenagers are delivering the message!

Q & A

  • What have you done online that you’re most proud of?
  • I have been able to keep myself safe online AND still have fun.
  • Are your online friendships different than your real-life friendships? How?
  • In some ways, my online friendships are different from my real life friendships, and in some ways they aren't. I talk about movies, music, and other things with both groups. However, because of the fact that I don't TRULY know who my online friends are, I am always careful not to reveal personal information such as where I live, or my contact info outside the Internet.
  • How can you help younger siblings or kids be safer online?
  • If I were trying to teach my younger brother or other children to be safe, I would explain what the dangers are and how predators might operate on the Internet. I would show them how they can avoid some of those dangers and how to get out of bad situations when the time comes. Most importantly, I would lead by example. If I do not "practice what I preach," then the children that I'm trying to instruct might wonder why I'm not following my own guidelines. They might question the importance of my lessons.

Also Meet

Regardless of people's opinion or judgments I stick by what’s right and I am a great leader."

Meet Briana ›››

That’s my goal: to make public awareness about online risks so widespread that teens and parents are as familiar with them as they are with ketchup on a French fry."

Meet Kelley ›››