HIV/Aids: ACING That Interview
HIV/Aids: ACING That Interview
HIV/Aids: ACING That Interview
GCOBANI BOBO
Editors note
Sawubona reader! stands for excel and that is what we want you to do with your life. You are holding this magazine in your hands because the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and its Thuthuka development and transformation project believes you have got what it takes to make a great success of your life. you will nd all the In this and future issues of information you need about choosing a career in business with specic reference to chartered accountancy what business people do, what characteristics are needed to become a successful businessman or woman, details on training and education, bursary information, helpful study hints, life skills development and more. But, to lead an ent life it is necessary to do more than just perform academically. We do not want you to become just an ent businessperson but also an ent colleague and friend and human being. That is why we will also run articles on celebrities and regular people who have overcome the odds to make it in life as well as articles on social issues such as HIV/Aids and other topics that dont only affect your life but also the lives of the people and communities you interact with today or will interact with in the future. Whats more, we have an advice column and you are welcome to write to us with any problems you might have and we will ask our experts to give you some ent advice. And because life is not just about serious issues but also about having fun, we will be publishing reviews on the latest music and trends and give you a chance to win some great prizes. Each one of us has a role to play to make this earth a better place and we hope that will inspire you to do just that. Finally, good luck to everyone writing exams, we are sure you will achieve ent results!
contents
02 Gcobani Bobo on the ball 04 Acing that interview 06 How to cope with exam stress 09 Get dressed for success 12
HIV/Aids - be safe not sorry
Sian
Dont ever be afraid to ask why - it is the key to understanding the reasoning behind everything. When you stop asking why things happen, you stop learning and thinking for yourself.
Miranda
It is quite clear that education is the knowledge of putting ones potential to maximum use. One can safely say that a human being is not one in the proper sense till he is educated.
Vuyo
As my favourite teacher used to say: All learning begins with three simple words, I dont know. Enrich your mind.
20 10 ways to...
Nthato
Live your life in such a way that your epitaph reads no regrets - to do that you need education.
Editor-in-chief
Tersia Booyzen
contact details
Integritas 7 Zulberg Close Bruma Lake, 2198 PO Box 59875 Kengray, 2100 Tel: (011) 621 6600 Fax: (011) 615 0707 Email: [email protected]
Sian Singh
Editorial team
Miranda Lusiba Vuyo Piti Nthato Selebi Liz Zambonini Natalie Zimmelman
Editor-in-Chief
Natalie
Without the skills to compete, South Africa will never be able to grow our economy and increase the living standards for all. With a commitment to lifelong learning, we have a nation that can only succeed, grow and prosper.
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Gcobani Bobo, the strapping 24-year-old SA Rugby Team centre, was born in the small town
of King Williamstown in the Eastern Cape. Playing for the South African Rugby team (also known as the Springboks or Amabhokobhoko) has been an honour and a dream come true for him, yet it still overwhelms him to know that he touches the lives of so many people just by playing rugby, and that from the 43 million people in South Africa, he was chosen to play for the national team.
Gcobani went through his early high school years at Dale Boys College in his home town but matriculated at Rhondebosch Boys, in Cape Town. His unofcial rugby career began when he was just 12, but rugby was not his rst love. I used to play soccer, rugby was never my thing but it was a big thing then, especially at Dale College, so I found myself being pressurised into it.
Credit: Duif du Toit\Touchline Photo
His dening moment on the path to playing professional rugby came in 1995, when he captained the under17 SA team against France, and they won! After this break, Gcobani captained his team in the SA schools tournament, played in the Border Schools matches, and was made captain of his own high schools rugby team.
But Gcobani warns that reaching his goal has not been easy there is lots of pressure and hard work involved. In 2002 he was injured and out of the game for nine months. When he nally made it back out onto the eld, he was injured again and had to endure another nine months of painful recuperation. But the time off was a blessing in disguise. Because the game can be so emotionally draining, this time helped me to rejuvenate. Instead of giving up and thinking this was the end of it; I stayed strong and took everything in my stride. I still believed there was hope for me to go back to playing rugby. As far as his future goes, while Gcobani still has a long game ahead of him, he does plan on studying towards a marketing degree. His interest in marketing sparks from the challenge of having to change peoples perceptions and sell an idea or a product. Gcobanis advice to anyone who wants to achieve their goals is to live life to the fullest without accumulating any regrets. Making wise decisions today has a good impact on your future. You need to believe in yourself, make sure that you do not procrastinate and really go for what you believe in. Whatever you see in front of you are thoughts manifested into actions. If you want to win a shirt signed by Gcobani turn to page 19.
The multi-talented Gcobani then took a break for a year after matric. He worked as a trainee at world renowned advertising agency Hunt Lascaris in Cape Town, before concentrating again on his rugby career. In 1997 Gcobani captained the SA under-19 team, and then played for the SA Sevens. But his most rewarding milestone was when he made his way onto the Lions team. From then its been a smooth climb to the top, playing in the Vodacom Currie Cup Super 12 for the Cats in 2002 and joining the SA Rugby Team in 2003. One of his highlights since joining the national team was having his father watch him play in his second match in the Eastern Cape.
03
acing interview
Whether its for a bursary, a job or a training contract, that rst interview is almost as nerve
shattering as that rst matric exam. Those of you whove been there know just how scary it can be. Those who havent been there should be nervous enough to prepare thoroughly for that interview. It could make or break your career.
that
But dont lie just to impress the prospective employer it is important that you are placed in a job that you are not only qualied to do, but also suits your personality. You simply cannot give your best if you are unhappy in your job, no matter how much you may be paid.
words, dont just repeat the information you may have read, rather show the interviewer that you understand what you have researched. Speak clearly; not too fast and not too slow. Your voice should not be too loud, nor too soft. Dont slouch - sit at the front of your chair, with your chin up and your back straight. Listen attentively to the questions to make sure that you know the nature of the information required, and dont be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat the question or explain it in another way if you do not understand what they have said. Dont be backward about using the name of the interviewer, preceded, of course, by Mr or Ms. It shows you are condent but respectful towards him or her. At the same time, dont overdo it you dont want to be seen as a suck-up.
The interview
Having clinched the interview, youve arrived at rst base. To get to second base, you need to impress the hell out of the person with whom youve been granted an appointment! Dress for success Dress at least as smartly as you would expect the person you are about to see is dressed. If in doubt, ask a friend or acquaintance working in the industry in question, or if you have applied through a recruitment agency or an organisation overseeing the bursaries, then ask for their advice. If that isnt possible, call the company directly and ask them what their dress code is. For some tips on how to dress up or down on a limited budget, see our make-over on page 9. Research the company The next golden rule to be borne in mind is preparation. Before the interview, study all you can about the company you are about to see the kind of business it is, its size, its prot history, the products it sells, etc or if the interview is for a bursary, get to grips with the nature of the industry you are studying in. For example, if it is a bank, learn about the interest rate environment and the current state of the economy. Thankfully, the Internet is a great source of information. So check out the websites of the company you will be seeing and of the sector of the economy in which it operates. If you dont have access to the Internet then ask the company if you can have a copy of their company prole or annual report or nd people working in the industry to answer your questions. Question time Having digested all this information, dont thrust it down the interviewers throat. He or she will most likely get around to asking you the questions relating to what you have been studying. Youll make a better impression by being able to answer the questions coming your way than if you answered the questions before they are asked. And speak in your own
The CV
Topping your priority list is a CV or curriculum vitae (the Americans call it a resum), which is essentially a summary of what your prospective employer would want to know about you at a glance. Therefore, it should be brief, but not so brief that it leaves out certain important details. Most importantly, it must be neatly laid out and follow a logical pattern. There are many ways in which a CV can be compiled but you cannot go too far wrong by sticking to the following guidelines: Your name Your contact details telephone number, email address Your postal address ID number State if you have a drivers licence & a car Languages Include all the languages you know as well as how well you know them. For example:
Written Good Good Excellent Spoken Excellent Fair Fair
which you previously worked, their address and your dates of employment. Obviously, this section of the CV will be omitted if you have no relevant experience. Work Experience This applies to non-relevant work experience. It could refer to, for instance, community or charitable work, which should be mentioned as it will probably impress the interviewer, and will show that even if you do not have relevant work experience, you have at least been exposed to the working world. Achievements These could range from having represented your school in a particular sport, to having been given an award for the most improved learner at your school. Dont be shy about mentioning those achievements, but at the same time keep the descriptions brief. These achievements show the interviewer that you are determined and ambitious, and will therefore make a success of whatever you take on. Interests, Hobbies It is important to mention these, since the activities in which you engage can suggest to your potential employer the type of person you are and where your interests lie in relation to the job for which you are applying. In most instances your CV will precede you. In other words, the CV will be vital in opening the right door. So take great care. Check and re-check what the CV contains. Only send it off when you are 100% happy that it is the best document for opening the door that you hope to walk through.
Above all, the number one rule is to show enthusiasm. You do, after all, want that job or bursary. Dont you?
Education Prole Briey describe your academic record, giving additional detail on achievements and skills relevant to the position for which you are applying. Relevant Experience Briey describe the experience, if any, you have gained, even if it was a part-time job, that is relevant to the job for which you are applying. Here, supply the name of the employer for
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like because she listened to those silly voices in her head. The key is not letting those negative thoughts and people inuence you, but to rather focus on the positive.
What is stress?
Parents always arguing? Worried about relationships at school? Got an exam coming up? Stress is the bodys general response to any intense physical, emotional or mental demand placed on it by oneself or others. This can range from earning a poor mark in a test or exam, to the excitement of playing a lively game of diski (soccer), and falling in love. Psychologists say stress levels during exams are generally high because learners and students are often unable to cope with personal issues. This is frequently because of high expectations they have of
howto
cope
wITH
exam stress
themselves, or imposed by family and friends. John for example, never gured he could fail, neither did his educators and parents, who were all so used to their star learner annual ball came up, she decided not to go, because she concluded that she wouldnt t in. Now Cindy will never know what that night of glitz and glamour would have been
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If youre a night person, study later during the day but remember to go to bed at a reasonable hour to get enough sleep. Being too tired will slow your revision and not help your exam chances. Make notes of important points when revising. Try answering questions from past exam papers or explaining tricky answers to someone else to make sure you have made sense of it. If you really cannot concentrate it may be because you are tired or hungry or just bored. Take a short break and come back to it 10 minutes later. Short bursts of focused revision are often more benecial than hours of staring at the same page. Always ask for help if there are things you dont understand, and especially if youre feeling stressed out. If stress really gets on top of you, talk to your parents, educators or lecturers. If thats no good, there are several help lines designed to help you with these worries. Finally, never forget that there is life after revision and exams. Think of your stress as a kind of puzzle, and work out what situations make you feel stressed (exams, going to a party, presenting in front of a big crowd, etc) and how you behave. Think of different ways you could behave in that situation, so you would feel more in control and how other people might behave if you acted differently. If you seem nervous, for example, they might get nervous too; if you smile, they will probably smile back. Try rehearsing different ways of behaving act it out loud with a friend. You might get it wrong when you try it for real, but not everyone is right rst time. Try it again, next time.
DressfoRsuccess
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Our model*
Name: Emmah Dibuseng Tsotetsi Age: 25 From: Warden, Free State Studying: B. Comm Accounting, RAU Year of study: 2nd year Courses/subjects: Accounting, Financial Management, Business Management, Commercial Law and Statistics. Her views on campus life: When you come from a semirural area, moving to a big city takes a lot of adjustment. Now Im enjoying it. Your dream: To become a Chartered Accountant. Why: I always loved accounting at school and I had this wonderful teacher who is an inspiration to me. She actually went back to school, and is now an accountant herself.
For counseling and guidance to help you cope with stressful situations like family relationships, trauma, abuse, poverty, violence, HIV/Aids, and life skills, FAMSA is available on: National: 011 975 7106 Cape Town: 021 447 7951
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BEFORE
*See ent stuff on page 19 if you want to be our next make-over and cover girl or guy.
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after
Jacket R240; black pants R180; strappy top R170 and black shoes all from Truworths. All the other clothes and accessories are the model or stylists own
work
play
weekend
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Whos at risk?
I have had one partner in the last two years and before that one partner for ve years, but at varsity life was different. For some reason I embarked on this self destructive path and although I knew I was putting myself at risk to HIV/ Aids and in other ways too, I continued to be sexually promiscuous I just didnt care how many sexual partners I had. Now it seems I may very well have paved the path to my own destruction by putting myself in a high risk category. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, you are at great risk if you: Have shared needles when injecting drugs. Have symptoms of Aids or Aids related illnesses. Are/were a prostitute or have used their services. Are or have been sexually promiscuous. Partner has Aids or is at high risk. Have haemophilia and have received clotting factor products. Parents have Aids or are at high risk .
ri /A wo ng fe id el p rk my in as b m s g s. ac a lik B k tr be e ut wa ic th th rd ex sa er at s am fe e a no wa did nd s I ts ex s no I k kne or pl a ne w od ba t s w ry e llo top I all r I h in on t w m st a m a he ou y d y do I wa driv th st bou sic ld in s s er at om t k g s sa so ick te m ac to m to st e h. et m fe A so hin y I k eli sa nd th g s sto ne ng we me now at tu m w w I d pi ach ho he on ek sic t id d o w w n I H H s a k f his do r f ith to to dr avin IV/ go eeli mo so aili th dri ok co aft g Aid I w ng rni m ng e ve my et , s fe b wh uld , I r don s e as a in ng I ut h a en en eal e a duc ske my sit an ing o m r o I h cou ised ll th ati d t sto he d st uc f di up h ad ra th e on o ma re d nt ge at res an wr ch wi id fa il. be pe th ear d p ite . Tw th t en op ere ch re an o he v . le a to wa and ent rtic T be s n th ion le te oda o e . pr w H st y I o- a rs ac y I t to IV/ in m hav tiv Ai y e do ld b d e, ne y s t life dec ev th es id ba en at e t. I ed if ce cli I k am t lo ck I r po ng in te tai nic no go o ta te int for thre st n n ti tha w I ing ke st is a e eg m t wi t th an I po m at es the ll o h e s d ha sit on ive on te pro av ca to ve iv th I c s b e ri kn m e r s t wi ert ts a abl an est ow ad esu im ll h ain re y b m e th lt t e as ave da on e ys e o y ly ta de sho it ta to g s an tu cis w ke o d s. io . B s t n to ut t hat do he th e
HIV Aids
sa
I will be to handle the results. Abstain from sex or at the least use a condom. I cant use illegal intravenous drugs (which is easy as I dont take drugs), but if I did, I should not share needles or syringes, and I should also enrol in a treatment programme. I cant donate blood, plasma, body organs, other body tissues, or sperm (this last part is very easy as I am a woman). As a woman at increased risk, I have to delay any plans to fall pregnant. A pregnant woman infected with the Aids virus has a 30% to 50% chance of passing the virus on to her unborn child. Inform anyone I may have exposed to the Aids virus through sex or drug use that I might have infected them and encourage them to get tested too. I cant share toothbrushes, razors, or any other items that could become contaminated with blood. If Im positive, I need to tell my doctor, dentist, and eye doctor that Im infected so they can take precautions to protect themselves.
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What to do if you think you are at risk or if you are HIV positive:
Although I have already decided to get tested, there are several steps I have to take until I learn my status to avoid spreading the disease: Seek counselling and a medical evaluation from professionals. Taking the Aids antibody test will enable me to know my status and protect myself or, if I am infected, my sexual partner, but I need to talk to someone who knows about this the more informed I am, the better equipped
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Transmission:
HIV is contagious, but not in the same way the common cold is contagious. It is a sexually transmitted, blood-borne disease that spreads from one person to another in the following ways: By sexual intercourse - the virus can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. By sharing contaminated needles to inject drugs. By an infected woman to her baby during pregnancy, delivery and breast feeding. By transfusion of contaminated blood or blood components, although this risk has been sharply reduced by screening blood and blood donors and by new ways to process blood used to treat disorders such as haemophilia.
avoid problems before they even arise. Do you know any homies who are studying at the school that you are going to go to? Ask them for the low down when they are back in the vacation (of course, make sure that the guys are the kind of guys that you trust and would kinda be your role models). Check out your fears and hopes with them how realistic are they? How have they dealt with the various difculties that you think may arise? Ask yourself how you would deal with those situations and problems once you have a solution, if the problem raises its ugly head its usually quite easy to deal with. Often, one of the biggest challenges that a new student faces is loneliness and confusion. Get to know your way around the campus as soon as possible again, if you have homies at school, they can help you out. Otherwise, check out what Orientation activities are taking place which ones will be useful and give you information
A. Heita Tshepang, you sound like a really together, motivated guy who is determined to make the most of your opportunities. First of all, just remember that any
JUst ASK
If you have a question about life, love the universe or anything else please write to: - just ask, PO Box 59875, Kengray, 2100 or email @saica.co.za and put - just ask in the subject eld.
changes we experience in life can be very scary and stressful and youre about to experience some major changes. Youve already taken the rst step if you are already working on your coping strategies, you are going to be far better prepared for some of the struggles you might come across. To start with, you sound as if you have a really good sense of who you are and where you want to go. Self-condence and self-belief are two of the most important tools to get you through rough times keep that goal of a qualication and career in mind all the time, allow yourself to dream so that your dreams can give you strength and determination. Okay, but down to real life practical stuff. One of the best ways that you can get ready for moving to a school in a different, urban area, is to prepare yourself. Get an idea of what you are going to be up against so that you can about student life, which ones are just an excuse for a bash? I know you will probably think that you are going to have to work harder than you ever have in your life and you probably will but a guy still needs a bit of relaxation. Join a student club or organisation whatever does it for you: sport, drama, religious, chess Not only will you meet a whole lot of new buds who will ease the path into your new life, but you will also have a regular stress management tool. Last but not least, most campuses have professional counsellors available to students for a nominal fee. They know the deal so use their expertise to get you through if you really feel like youre drowning. Good luck and dont forget to focus on your studying for those nal exams!!
Join a support group by joining a support group you get to meet other people who had your own fears and experiences and have managed to deal with them. They will also be able to answer many of your questions and help you through the emotions you may be feeling. Healthy living theres no risk in sharing the same house, bathroom or eating utensils, and using condoms can prevent the disease from being passed on to your partner. Make sure you eat healthy food, have three meals a day, exercise regularly and do not drink alcohol or smoke.
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b! bom is da ack yo J Vu
Vuyo NAME = ion = CA(SA) at Design 8 Age = 2 = Dube, p Gretw u eo Sow = School arist s M id St Dav rs, Inanda, Brothe esburg Johann (All Maths English Historyy Biolog e Scienc ans Afrika
Jack
Vuyo Jack is a CA(SA) who makes it his business to keep the score on black economic empowerment.
Empowerdex, the company he founded three years ago with partner Chia-Chao Wu, has become the nations leading rating and research agency on the question of black economic empowerment, with client companies clamouring for guidance, advice and monitoring ever since the company opened its doors.
Vuyo was part of the task team to advise the minister of trade and industry on BEE legislation and on guidelines to help companies implement BEE sustainability. For Vuyo, empowerment is crucial in eliminating the present dual economy in South Africa. He reckons that without the present pressure on rms to comply with BEE goals, little would have changed. He is happy with most of the charters, which have been published thus far, but appeals for consistency and uniformity. I dont think there can be a charter covering every industry. Some, such as the liquor industry and ICT, are too specialised. His other criticism is that most people involved are xated on ownership. Ownership is very important but other elements will drive broad-based BEE in a manner that will benet a wider base of beneciaries. I would like to see more emphasis on enterprise development bigger companies helping small black companies to create sustainable operational and nancial capacity increases. Another valuable part of BEE is afrmative procurement, as this facilitates wider market access for BEE companies. Vuyo and Chia-Chao were colleagues lecturing at Wits University, both pondering innovative ways in which they could contribute to economic development in Africa. Growing up in Soweto, my youthful fantasies were about being a movie producer and director. A friend, who was a merchant banker, showed me that money was critical not only in movies but in everything. I saw that without accounting you cant measure performance and, as a country, cant make sound economic decisions. The rigorous chartered accountancy training equips you with evaluation skills and a mindset that stresses substance before form and that is the way we like to approach empowerment. Vuyo still lectures part-time in Financial Accounting at Wits and is heavily involved in bringing new black accountants into the profession. He likes to make accounting sexy - not just a business of crunching numbers and waxes quite passionate: Accounting is the language of business and we are the custodians of that language. I like to tell my students that without accountants, nothing would function properly, not banking, not soccer, not anything
Vuyo really enjoys teaching and foresees a return to academe after Empowerdex has been brought to complete fruition. The bigger objective, he says, is to help black people to take charge of their own thinking and their lifes objectives and education is the key. Vuyo is working on his Masters thesis on the nature and extent of BEE disclosures of JSE-listed companies. Other activities take up this restless mans time - he is a member of SAICAs Continuing Professional Development Committee and a chairman of a non-prot organisation called Children of Fire that focuses on taking care of burnt children and running re prevention courses in squatter camps.
Wits rsity = Unive e = Degrm end ajoring a B. Com m (Hons) m B. Com unting in acco
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nd hr erm Co-fou erdex, whicmpanies in t (BEE). mpow ices SA co powerment E v and adEconomic Em overy n, my e Black er Disc getaria ic nd Rov La cto-ve h Basmati R As a la ov wit India trogan oom S a Mushr is ings in e dish s and s t, play physics, avourit f r pianis antum mateu qu ssical a topics like d cla azz an terature on J li oteric ding es sychology d, rea and p ban ism mystic
ent stuff
Confessions Usher (BMG) Amplied Loyiso (Sony) Stone Love Angie Stone (BMG)
This young Grammy Awardwinning artist has done it again! Infused with deep soul, The Diary of Alicia Keys feeds on all this gifted artists talents. As if recognising the need to shake things up a bit, Alicia Keys new offering kicks off with some of her liveliest music to-date without losing any of the traditional R&B, pop and hip-hop that catapulted her to stardom. Drawing inspiration from the past, Alicia can look to a long and promising career.
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10 WAYS TO...
have a great rst date
1. Dress up for your date so they know theyre important to you. 2. Dont be late! 3. Go somewhere casual so theres no pressure. 4. Ask them questions about themselves it shows you are interested in them. 5. Dont lie about yourself you will get caught out! 6. Be yourself this way your date gets to know the real you. 7. Dont throw yourself at your date a rst date could just turn into a one night stand. 8. Dont go to a movie sitting in the dark not talking is not a good way to get to know someone. 9. Try to go to a place you will both like so if it doesnt work out at least you can still have fun. 10. Be positive throughout the date maybe you found the love of your life or just another friend.
stay healthy
1. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. 2. Exercise in the morning it gives you lots of energy for the rest of the day. 3. Break up your food into ve meals a day: breakfast; snack; lunch; snack; supper. 4. Try to eat starchy food during the day when your body needs the extra energy to keep you going. 5. Try not to eat after 7 o clock at night to give your body enough time to digest your food indigestion gives you heartburn and bad dreams. 6. Eat green vegetables with lunch and supper if you can, and have at least one fruit snack. 7. Drink between one and two litres of water a day - stay away from zzy drinks and concentrated/ mixed juices. 8. Wash your face twice a day to keep your pores clear and prevent acne. 9. Moisturise your skin and use a sun block so you dont get burnt in the sun. 10. Take Vitamin C tablets to boost your immune system and stop you from getting a cold or the u.
be a good friend
1. Dont only talk about yourself ask your friend how she/he is. 2. Get your friend to talk about problems instead of bottling them up, but dont nag! 3. Listen to your friend and understand him/her.
4. Give advice only if he/she asks for it or if you think he/she really needs some help. 5. Dont TELL your friend what to do thats what parents are for! 6. Dont judge your friend by the things he/she does we ALL make mistakes. 7. Be supportive of your friends decisions.
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8. When your friend is sad, do something fun to lift their mood. 9. Dont spend all your time with one friend allow yourselves time apart. 10. And when you are down talk to your friend about whats bothering you.