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MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 33

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 33

June 10, 2002
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MAXIMize the Moment

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

"Ooh, Keisha, JLJ's online! I'm definitely going to IM him," says Danielle, giggling. JLJ stands for "Just Like Justin." Danielle met him in a chat room a few weeks ago. He seems nice and like he really likes her. Also, from the picture he sent, he's super cute.

"Keisha, he wants to meet me! What will I wear? Ple-ease come with me. I'm going to be totally nervous," Danielle says excitedly. "Oh, that's so cute. He wrote that he's really shy and that he wants to meet me by myself, so he won't be so embarrassed."

"Danielle, is that a good idea? He seems great and all, but you don't really know him that well. JLJ may not be who he says he is. He's probably great and everything, but what if he's not?"

"Keisha , you make such a big deal out of everything. You're being ridiculous. I've been writing him for weeks. I know all about him. And I am going to meet him!"

"Well, you should at least tell your parents or something."

"No way! My mom is so paranoid that she never lets me do anything and my dad hates the idea of me dating. They'd lose it. And don't you think of telling them."

I try to convince her, but she won't listen. We hardly speak to each other the next day. As the week goes on, I get more and more uncomfortable about her meeting up with some random guy that she hardly knows.

On Thursday, my mom can tell that something's bothering me. When I hesitate to tell her what it is-after all, it's Danielle's secret, not mine-she reminds me that "Loyalty means knowing when to keep a secret and when not to" and that sometimes being trustworthy actually means breaking our friends' confidences. As backwards as that sounds, I get the feeling that she might be right. Once I tell her why I'm so worried for Danielle, Mom lets me know that I've done the right thing. I know Danielle will probably be really mad at me for telling, but I'd rather have her mad at me and be safe than let something happen to her.

This week's maxim is "Loyalty means knowing when to keep a secret and when not to."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Loyalty means knowing when to keep a secret and when not to."
    Anonymous

Featured character trait

  • Loyalty- I live so others can rely on me and can trust me to do what is right for them.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Caring- I am concerned about others and try to help when I am able.
  • Concern for others- Because I value people and love them, I want them to be treated with dignity and love.
  • Love- I care about others and want what is best for them.
  • Courage- I do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
  • Integrity- My actions and decisions are guided by my values.
  • Trustworthiness- People can have faith in me because I know what is right and live out my beliefs.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Do you agree with the way Keisha handled the situation? What did she do well? What could she have done differently?
  • Is Keisha "loyal" to Danielle? Why or why not?
  • Do you think that Keisha is a good, trustworthy friend? Explain.
  • Let's say that JLJ turns out to be a really nice person. Would that mean that Keisha made the wrong choice?
  • Do you agree with this week's maxim? Why or why not?
  • What are some other situations that this maxim might apply to?
  • How can you tell when a situation is at a point when it could be dangerous?
  • When a situation is worrying you and you feel you or a friend could be in danger, what should you do?
  • The internet is a great resource and can be a great way of communicating with friends, but it can also be misused. What are some of the potential downsides and dangers of the internet? How can you protect yourself from them?

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