Charlotte Cyberbullying Victim Starts Organization To Empower Others In Social Media World

If you are a part of today’s society, there is a good chance you’re familiar with social media, especially if you’re a teen.  According to Pew Research Center, 90-95% of teens (ages 13-17) use social media. Of those teens, 51% visit a social media side every day. How long do they engage online? Acc…

Hurricane Helene Aftermath - What's Next For Western North Carolina?

The last week of September 2024 in North Carolina’s western Appalachian area will always be remembered. Not for the normal panoramic views of the mountains and changing of leaves, but for what North Carolina’s Governor says was the deadliest and costliest storm in the state’s history. Hurricane Hel…

Girls On The Run Readies Girls For The Real World

Statistics say that more than half of American girls are not happy with their bodies (at 13) By the time they are 17, 78% are unhappy with their bodies. Anywhere between 40 – 60% of elementary school girl are concerned about their weight or fearful they are becoming too fat.  Which leads us to a gi…

Program Teaches Teens About The World of STEAM & Provides Paid Internships

Got a teen in your life that is showing interest in the world of STEAM, Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and/or Math?  Well listen up!  The McCrorey YMCA is offers 2 free programs for teens that you should know about...The Best Buy Teen Tech Center and The Career Pathways Program. Take …

The Kemba Smith Story - From College Student To Drug Dealer Girlfriend To Criminal Justice Advocate

She made national news in 1994 when he was sentenced to 24 and a half years in federal prison for a first-time drug offense. Kemba Smith was a relatively shy young lady from Richmond, Va. She attended a well-known Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Hampton University, where she met a …

Getting Your Child Ready for College with Alexis Bibbs and TRiO

Many times, parents and students need additional support as the try to navigate the transition from high school to college.  Did you know, there is a program right here in our Charlotte area schools that can help.  Guest host, Ms. Jessica "The Girl Next Door" chats with Alexis Bibbs, Senior TRiO/Ta…

September Is Suicide Prevention Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Yes, a rather morbid topic but one that has become it’s a conversation that has become increasingly necessary as there have been more people in the United States who think about suicide. According to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Admini…

We Love Public Schools FINAL

As long as most of us can remember going to school – specifically public school has always been a part of growing up. The idea of public school has been around for a long time. In fact, according to National Geographic Education, the first public school in America was started by the Puritans in New…

Charlotte Father Details Stroke That Had Him 'Paralyzed In His Own Body'

I recently celebrated my 40th high school reunion and talked with a high school friend. He told me he'd suffered a stroke a couple of years ago. I was stunned because he was the star athlete and he still kept himself healthy -- I thought. He continued to be a gym rat but said it was his stress leve…

Charlotte Man Develops Program To Keep Kids Out Of Trouble

Guest host Ms. Jessica, The Girl Next Door talked with the Executive Director of Stratford-Richard YMCA in Charlotte Jemarion Young. He's also considered the "Youth Development guru". They discussed strategies and programs specifically designed for young people. A report from Charlotte-Mecklenburg …