Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a common issue among teenagers. Considering that my classmates and I are going to be freshmen in college, I understand that the amount of peer pressure we are exposed to will greatly increase. Growing up, we've always been taught to “Say no to drugs”, practice abstinence, etc. But, now that we're out from under our parents' wings, what will we do? Will we give in to our “friends”, knowing that what they plan to do is wrong? Some of us may go along with whatever they're pressuring us to do simply to fit in, throwing away everything we've been told. Yet some others may continue to stand strong in their own beliefs. Before doing something they don't really want to do, they should take a minute to ask themselves, “What am I risking by making this choice?” We have to continue to keep in mind those around us, along with ourselves. We shouldn't want to cause harm (emotionally or physically) on others, and especially not ourselves.