Each month, iParenting.com spotlights a teen who inspires and moves us, who embodies the qualities that we all admire in a person, a friend, and a son or a daughter. Above all, the Teen of the Month is dedicated to making a positive mark on the planet. Rich or poor, famous or not, the Teen of the Month shines as an example of what today's teens have to offer.

January's Teen of the Month is 13-year-old Maree Long, a teen who is dedicated to random acts of kindness.

At first glance, you might think Maree Long is just your average 13-year-old teenager, but once you get to know her, it's easy to see that she's not.

The oldest of two daughters, Maree lives in Auckland, New Zealand with her father, a secretary treasurer at their church, and her mother who works at Maree's school.

Being Kind to Others
At a very young age, Maree discovered the importance of kindness toward others. She says that her greatest pleasure comes from giving encouragement. "If I am walking at the mall, I might just smile at someone and encourage them that way," she says. Maree believes that people are led by example, and she knows that even a smile can make a difference in someone's day.

"In my spare time I like to write letters of encouragement to people," she says. "That is my hobby. I also love to read autobiographies. I enjoy listening to music, and I am a deeply spiritual and religious person."

Maree feels that recognizing the importance that people have on her own life makes a difference in other lives. "I write letters to people that have been influential in my life and who may be feeling a little worn out," she says. "I am always looking out for people who look down and worn out, and I write them a letter or tell them that I really appreciate them. It doesn't take much to make someone happy."

Maree finds her greatest joy in helping others. As a volunteer at the infant Sabbath school at her church, she loves helping out with the little children. "I enjoy it greatly," she says. "I just NEED to be helping people. Someday I want to help out at a junior camp..."

Setting a Good Example
When asked what she thinks of today's teens, Maree says she thinks that many teens are mixed up in many ways. "The music that most of them listen to is rubbish in my opinion," she says. "Teens today just don't seem to realize what is really important in life, like your family. There are people out there who are fabulous teens, many of my friends. I think we care too much about other people's opinions and rely too much on them for our opinions, when we need to form our own."

Maree feels that teens are a big part of our society. Because she knows their impact, she strives to set an example for the younger children. "I think that we need to set a better example for the generations to follow," she says. "After all, we have set a reputation for teens being troublesome."

In the future, Maree hopes to study and work in the field of sociology. Her desire to help people is a driving force. "I would love to work with people in the future; helping people would be so great," she says.

Maree feels that the best part about being a teenager is forming your own identity – detached from your parents. "Then, you aren't just known as your parents' daughter," she says. "People actually start to recognize you for being your own individual person. I really enjoy that! Oh, and being able to have more privileges is great, too!"

Maree attends a local Adventist high school in Auckland. "My favorite subjects are probably math, music and computers," she says. "I really enjoy those classes and do really well in them. My least favorite is probably social studies. Yuck!"

Advice for Teens
"If I could advise teens today on how to be an inspiration to our society, I would tell them to be happy and let God shine through them," she says. "Smile at people; it can make all the difference in someone's day. Let them know they are needed and society [will] be a better place."

Maree encourages other teens to find something that they love to do, something that makes them happy, and use it to build people up. "Everyone wants to feel loved and needed," she says. "Whether it's writing or just talking to someone who is lonely, every bit of attention you give someone comes back to you. It's the greatest way to find happiness in your life – by helping others."

Want to see more?

• November 2002 Teen of the Month: Ali Lauren Spizman
• July 2002 Teen of the Month: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
• June 2002 Teen of the Month: Ashley Michelle Oppenberg
• Dealing With the Ingratitude Attitude
• Talk about it!