As college approaches, many young students grow anxious with anticipation about all of the new experiences awaiting to happen. There will be new teachers and classes and not to mention a new home with a roommate. Another highly anticipated new aspect of college life is the social scene. No longer do you need permission from mom and dad, there is a new found freedom. With this freedom comes many decisions, including the decision whether or not to consume alcohol and other drugs.
Alcohol and other drugs are almost always prevalent on a college campus, therefore making it a part of the social norm and experience of college life. At most colleges, it is normal for the majority of the student body to consume alcohol. It is seen as the thing to do on weekends and a way to bond with other students that are looking to make new friends. Unfortunately, there is a pressure to not only drink but to keep up with those more experienced drinkers. This is could be a dangerous situation, especially for those who are underage and or have not drank previously. It is important for new college students to remember that although it may seem like the socially normal thing to participate in, it is okay to drink. At the end of the day, you are in charge of what you put in your body and your norm may be different than others.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Trust Your Gut
It
started off as just another bus ride. I was in 7th grade, taking the bus with
all of the middle schoolers in my neighborhood. My best friend and I were busy
talking about our latest crushes and what TV shows we watched last night when
we got interrupted by a girl named Amanda sitting in front of us. She peeked
her head above the seat and asked us if we wanted to see what she was bringing
to school that day. Of course we agreed like most curious 7th graders would.
She revealed to us a Ziploc bag of marijuana. At that time, my friend and I
were very confused considering we had never seen that substance before but we
were also curious. After explaining what it was and bragging about the fact
that she was going to bring it into the school, Amanda asked if we wanted to
have some as well. Upon learning it was the drug marijuana I immediately felt
uncomfortable and decided to go with my gut and turn down the offer. My friend
declined as well and we continued on with our ride.
Reflecting
back, I am still proud of my 7th grade self for trusting my instinct and rejecting
the offer. I stood true to my values and didn't give into the pressure of
taking something that I was uncomfortable with. I was once told that more often
than not, you should trust your gut instinct. Luckily in this situation I had
the confidence to do so and it saved me from experimentation.
Side
Note: that day we had a random drug search at our school. These happened
several times a year at our middle school and high school. The police and
canine unit come to search the parking lot and the dogs sniff the locker area.
Amanda's marijuana was found that day and she got in very serious trouble for
bringing it to school.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Drug Testing: Can you be too young?
High school athletes, college athletes, professional athletes and olympians are all a part of the group that is subjected to required random drug testing. This comes as no surprise, seeing as these athletes have easier access to drugs and illegal substances that can affect their performance. However, a new population may soon be added to the mix. That population being middle school students. Why? As of late, there has been an increased concern about the influences that middle school students are exposed to inside and outside of school.
In several states across the U.S., administrators at the middle school level are considering whether to implement random drug tests to their students. In an Ohio middle school, they have already required these tests to all students wanting to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. Their reasoning being their concern about students access and growing influence to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately the ability and affordability to access drugs and alcohol is becoming easier. It is easy for kids to conceal substances, to communicate via internet and text about distributing, and it's becoming more affordable.
While it may seem drastic to implement such strict policies on young students, administrators believe the pros outweigh the cons. The drug tests act as an incentive for students to avoid experimentation and resist influences. Testing can also help solve the problem early. For example, by the parents and administrators knowing about the abuse earlier, they can address it and hopefully discontinue the use. However, there are some parents and students that find drug testing at this age inappropriate and a violation of our human rights. Students find the testing embarrassing in the school setting and believe it shouldn't be required at that age.
Although the opinion on whether or not drug testing at the middle school level should be allowed or not is still up in the air, it is safe to say to say administrators are willing to go to any measure to prevent students from experimenting. These extreme measures demonstrate the importance avoiding experimentation and addressing influences at the middle school age.
ABC News Story on Ohio Middle School Drug Testing
In several states across the U.S., administrators at the middle school level are considering whether to implement random drug tests to their students. In an Ohio middle school, they have already required these tests to all students wanting to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. Their reasoning being their concern about students access and growing influence to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately the ability and affordability to access drugs and alcohol is becoming easier. It is easy for kids to conceal substances, to communicate via internet and text about distributing, and it's becoming more affordable.
While it may seem drastic to implement such strict policies on young students, administrators believe the pros outweigh the cons. The drug tests act as an incentive for students to avoid experimentation and resist influences. Testing can also help solve the problem early. For example, by the parents and administrators knowing about the abuse earlier, they can address it and hopefully discontinue the use. However, there are some parents and students that find drug testing at this age inappropriate and a violation of our human rights. Students find the testing embarrassing in the school setting and believe it shouldn't be required at that age.
Although the opinion on whether or not drug testing at the middle school level should be allowed or not is still up in the air, it is safe to say to say administrators are willing to go to any measure to prevent students from experimenting. These extreme measures demonstrate the importance avoiding experimentation and addressing influences at the middle school age.
ABC News Story on Ohio Middle School Drug Testing
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Introduction!
Welcome to my blog! My name is Jacqui Seidel and I am a senior physical education student at Ball State University. I grew up playing multiple sports, but fell in love with volleyball. I am on the women's volleyball team at the university and enjoy coaching in my free time as well.
The health content area that I have chosen to focus on is "Promoting an Alcohol and other Drug Free Lifestyle". The healthy behavior outcome (HBO) that I am using is HBO 2, avoiding experimentation with alcohol and other drugs. The National Health Content Standard that I chose is number 2, Analyzing Influences for the age group 6th-8th grade.
I chose this area of health to focus on because it is an area of health that is extremely relevant in our lifestyles. Unfortunately, the temptation to use drugs and alcohol is high making this a topic that is important to address to students. It is crucial that students understand where this influence is coming from and the proper way to react to these influences, which is why I chose this content standard. Judging from personal experience and knowledge, the age group of 6th-8th grade proves to be an age where children are being introduced, gathering knowledge, and gaining experiences in this topic area. Therefore, it's important to me that students can have the information to handle these influences and have the proper knowledge when dealing with drugs and alcohol.
The health content area that I have chosen to focus on is "Promoting an Alcohol and other Drug Free Lifestyle". The healthy behavior outcome (HBO) that I am using is HBO 2, avoiding experimentation with alcohol and other drugs. The National Health Content Standard that I chose is number 2, Analyzing Influences for the age group 6th-8th grade.
I chose this area of health to focus on because it is an area of health that is extremely relevant in our lifestyles. Unfortunately, the temptation to use drugs and alcohol is high making this a topic that is important to address to students. It is crucial that students understand where this influence is coming from and the proper way to react to these influences, which is why I chose this content standard. Judging from personal experience and knowledge, the age group of 6th-8th grade proves to be an age where children are being introduced, gathering knowledge, and gaining experiences in this topic area. Therefore, it's important to me that students can have the information to handle these influences and have the proper knowledge when dealing with drugs and alcohol.
From cartoonstock.com |
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