As a high school student at Dauphin County Technical School and an involved teen in the church, I realize the tough life many Christian teens have.



We get bullied for our beliefs and our practices. We are not taken seriously, and many people and other teenagers do not respect our beliefs even though most of us are strong in our faith and do what is right.



Praying in school is looked down upon by our peers. If I were to pray out loud before I ate lunch or even if someone saw me with folded hands and my head down, negative comments would surround me.



The "no bully" rule is hard to apply in these situations.



The common saying is "Stand up for what is right, even if you're standing alone."



It's not as easy as it sounds.



As a Christian teen, I have to stand up for what is right even if that means standing alone.



When a few friends and I tried to organize "See you at the pole" (a prayer event held at the flag pole before school) it was hard to get up and spread the word about it. Teachers felt as if they could not attend because of the church and state restrictions.



I believe that no matter what religion you are, you should be allowed to practice it wherever you are, no matter if you are a teacher or a student.



We are a free country, are we not?

SKYLAR M. NEAL, Hummelstown