Guest Author - Sandra Eggers
The teenage years are a struggle for most. That’s the time to figure out who you are, what you want to do with your life, and at the same time, try to figure out how to fit in. Many teens aspire to be something or someone else because they think it will help them be popular and gain acceptance.
This is where MTV can help. In addition to playing the latest videos and Top 10 singles, they also offer self-help programming aimed at teens. We sometimes forget that MTV is not all about rock and roll. The reality show Made has been guiding and transforming teens for 10 years now, and still going strong.
Made is regular programming on MTV where a featured guest can realize their dream to gain confidence or learn a new skill. They are paired with a “Made Coach” who will guide them through the transformation. These teens often resist the change and hard work required by their “Coach” and others professionals may be brought in to assist with life skills.
With so much peer pressure on teens today, it’s a daily struggle to make good choices. Popularity and acceptance is everything at this age. Many teens seem to have given up on life. Rather than aspire to reach their dreams, they get lost in the new-age technology which requires no social skills or physical activity.
The Made coaching program gets teens off the couch, away from the computer, and out for some exercise. This sudden lifestyle change has brought out the worst in some of the episode participants. They immediately say it’s too hard without even trying. Made is the perfect motivator for this next generation of young adults as they learn that there is more to life if you become an active participant.
In the spirit of MTV, the guest coaches are generally hip and cool, and many of them have had some notoriety, which makes it even more popular with the teens. They have transformed shy and awkward teens into cheerleaders, dancers, basketball players, triathletes, class presidents, homecoming queens, rappers and a ladies man.
At the same time these teens are being “made”, they are also becoming focused, educated, self-assured and confident young men and women. MTV is providing a great service. The next time you’re channel-surfing, you may want to catch an episode of Made, and even better if it’s with a very important young person.
