Thursday, July 16, 2015

Throughout the year, the BBCC and YAB deliver a powerful interactive program to 8th grade students transitioning to high school; “The Truth and Consequences of Substance Use.”



Here our YAB teens answer 8th grade middle school to high school transitions questions….


Q. How is high school different from middle school? 

Teens Answer:

  • High school is different because you take on more responsibility and have to learn to take initiative on your own.  There are higher expectations and if you don’t understand something or miss class, it is your responsibility to talk to the teacher or your friends and figure it out.  It is really important to stay organized, manage your time, but also make time to relax.   Keep things in perspective and know that you will get out what you put into your high school experience.
  • In high school you have to take more responsibility for yourself and your learning.  There is a lot more freedom but with that comes a lot more responsibility.
  • In high school you will have more freedom to decide what you want to do and the classes you take.  Academically you will have more freedom because you’re able to choose the level of difficulty for yourself and there’s a wider variety of classes to choose from.   Socially you have more freedom as well because there are a lot of people that you don’t know and a wider variety of clubs and sports to choose from.
  • In high school there is:
    • A lot more work
    • Higher expectations
    • More chances to make friends
    • More freedom, but also you have to advocate for yourself more
Q.  Is there Peer Pressure?

Teens Answer:

  • Yes, there is peer pressure in high school, but it is not always negative.  My school is very academically competitive, so there is pressure to do well.  Mostly everyone is studying hard, doing lots of homework and trying to earn good grades.  There can be negative peer pressure as well, but if you choose a good group of friends that will not really be a factor.
  • Peer pressure depends on the people that you surround yourself with.  If you surround yourself with people of high character that have the same core values as you, then you will not have that peer pressure affect you.
  • I personally haven’t experienced any peer pressure in high school but that’s mainly because I have found a group of friends who respect me and my choices.
  • Yes and no…
    • More people = more pressure.  But you learn to ignore it as you get older and are more comfortable with yourself
    • Typically if you say “No” to something once, people will respect that and back off. 
Stay tuned for our next blog where we will answer 8th graders questions on marijuana, hookah, vaping.... harmful affects and addiction.

         #livedrugfree#what'syourinfluence#getthefacts#knowwhatyoustandfor