As a senior in high school I have encountered many situations in which I was affected with peer pressure. My latest encounters deal with driving. Many of my friends feel that driving fast in the thing to do, and is extremely cool. I am not a follower but I tend to believe the same. And the fact is that it might be, but it is not at all safe. In fact it is extremely dangerous and not at all smart.

I found this out the hard way. After getting into two accidents I know that driving fast is plain moronic and there is no purpose in it. I have also learned that just because some people think that it is cool to drive fast there is really no reason to do so. As individuals you have to do what you feel is right in order to protect yourself. All people should take a stand for themselves and do what they feel is correct and do it for themselves and not for others.

Life is hot like a kettle
In the residence where I settle
Peer pressures like the devil
Trying to get you do drugs or bust heavy metal
Am talking bout guns
Knock on houses and run
The say it's all fun
And you having a ton
Until you end up in jail
Shocked like you touched the third rail
They say they your friends but wont pay your bail
Lying in your cell now your face is all pale
Thinking to yourself when will this come to an end
Finally Figured out that crime doesn't win
Bet you next time you won't listen to your friend
Hope all of yal listen to this message that I send!

Hello my name is Chris Blank. I am a senior at Lynbrook High School, and a member of Athletes Helping Athletes. AHA is a group of students in school who play sports and stay drug and alcohol free. As a member of Athletes Helping Athletes I realize that there is a lot of peer pressure on me to drink and do drugs, but I stay away from that knowing that they will do nothing to help me better my life. Also as a member we visit the elementary schools in Lynbrook and show the kids the problems of peer pressure and how to become an individual. Also we show students the dangers of becoming involved with drugs and alcohol and how it may have a negative effect on the performance of an athlete. It is a good experience being a part of this group and I have learned a lot from it.

In high school today there is a lot of talk about peer pressure. Things such as older students making fun of younger kids, or upperclassman being hard on underclassman. Though there is some of this present, it is really not hard to avoid. Some methods that I would suggest would be to get involved with things going on at school. Sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities are all good ways to meet other older students that will help you become familiar with high school. Another method is to be outgoing and try and get to know other people. Not outgoing in the sense that you are making a fool of yourself, but approach others and be friendly. The best thing to do is to just have fun. Don't get too caught up in the "popularity" or "cool" aspects of high school because there are other ways to have a good time.