The transition from childhood to adulthood has always been difficult, but today's media makes it even more difficult by setting unrealistic goals for physical beauty and lavish lifestyle. Magazine covers feature airbrushed versions of models already boasting extraordinary beauty and, more often than not, surgically enhanced bodies.

The absurd standards of physical beauty set by today's culture is particularly tough on young women, many of whom feel the pressure to match the look of Hollywood actresses, fashion models or airbrushed cover girls. So any effort to provide young women with a dose of reality is welcome.

For that reason, a cheer goes to the Butler County Chapter of the American Association of University Women and their Girl Talk program.

Since 1998, the AAUW has offered a program in which 6

th

grade girls meet and talk with accomplished, career women about a variety of topics. This year, the program was held on March 11 at the Family First Resource Center in Butler and topics included: positive self-image, healthy habits, friendship and self-defense for teens. About 30 sixth grade girls attended.

As disturbing as it might seem, girls as young as 6

th

grade are effected by today's movie, TV and magazine standards of beauty. The AAUW program helps girls by making them aware of this stereotyping of beauty and offering informal mentors to describe the many paths to professional and personal success available to women today.