Jhettah Baker
Photo Editor
January 2025 | Volume XV, Issue 3 | Mt. Baker Middle School
Photo Editor
Eighth grader Jhettah Baker met a friend online and since then he has helped her through many hard times. An unsurpassed friendship and bond was found in May, 2019 that has continued and been significantly helpful for Baker these past few months.
After meeting a boy named Andrew Brown online, Baker knew he was different. Andrew Brown was not available for comment at the time of publication.
“He was just trying to make me happy. It just made me think keeping him around would make me a lot happier.” Baker said.
In her written nonfiction narrative she stated that Brown has shaped her into a new person. Baker said he made her more positive and happy in life, teaching her to stand up for herself.
“He’s helped me.." Baker said. "Not only to be kind but also to stick up for myself.” Baker stated.
She also believed it was necessary and important for Brown to stay in her life because they depended on each other for help and support. “I am so very grateful for meeting him let alone having him stay in my life.” Baker said, “Not only was I learning from him but he was learning from me in a way.”
Baker also brought up the fact that in her generation, people are more attracted to society online. “You may be more social at school, but I feel like at home, there’s a lot more people online than we think.” She said.
Baker also stated that many must be going through similar problems and tough times as her and no one would know because of the society her generation has created. Baker states that meeting people online is a “50/50” gamble.
She stated that it’s nice to meet people who you may not see normally but you must know people can be dangerous. Baker also said that people aren't always who they say they are online.
When you get to know them they can show who they really are and this is when the situation becomes dangerous. Baker stated that before she met Brown her life had “darkness” but he has shown her that he cared about her and wanted to help.
She considered him a life changer. “Since then, I became a lot more positive and a lot happier.”
written by Rory Murry
Social media is a great way to meet many new people online but can also be a dangerous way of communication. The picture shows the many social media platforms the world has to offer. PHOTO COURTESY OF SITES.PSU.EDU