Melissa is a 15 year-old student. She is the second eldest in a brood of four siblings. Her sister Emma, the eldest, had to drop out of college two years ago because of the unplanned pregnancy. Emma now works in a call center to support her child. The two youngest siblings are still in grade school. Her mother has been working in Dubai for the past five years, while her father runs a small family business. Her father also volunteers as a lay minister every Sunday in the local parish. While Melissa considers herself not deeply religious, she participates in church programs whenever her father requests her to. Her parents wat Melissa to be a nurse someday and are saving up for her college education. She is in a secret relationship with a 16 year-old boy from their neighborhood. Recently, their relationship has become serious. Melissa is feeling a bit concerned now because she missed her menstrual period.





Questions:

1. Identify the gender roles implied in the case.



2. How do you think Melissa is feeling given her situation? What should Melissa do? Discuss the three (3) dimensions of sexuality implied here.



3. How do you think the family, school and media can help resolve these issues?



4. As a friend of Melissa, what would you advise her?