facing today's teenagers. Akian Swan, 17, wrote "Be Strong'' for a class assignment when she was asked to write a poem about hard hitting issues that teens have to deal with every day.

Her poem was inspired by her best friend Wayne Bruges after he helped her with her own self-esteem problems.

"Even though people might not know it, a lot of girls have self-esteem problems,'' she said. At the bottom of her poem she wrote: "To all those that in some way suffer from low self-esteem, don't sell yourself short. Be strong, overcome it.

"Don't watch anyone because they don't care about you.

"Love yourself because when the day is done, nobody's gonna be there to bring you your happiness or make you feel good -- you have to do it for yourself.

All you can do is make your own self happy.

"And remember, there is someone up above who loves you and always has and always will.

"It's time you realise that and love yourself.'' Be Strong You taught me how to love, live and to cry.

You taught me how to love myself completely, Not to sell myself short.

You taught me the it doesn't matter what others think, But what I think of myself.

You were there when I needed you, Loving me unconditionally, And for this I thank and love you.