Student Essay on CHOICES

written by a High School Senior from

La Mirada High School

La Mirada, California

March 1999

When I was in 9^th grade, a man came to our school to talk about what he had done with his life. He had gone to our school, and lived in our town, so he had some idea of the kinds of problems we are facing. He told us how he lived in an area of town where there was a lot of drugs, but he didn’t try them. When asked, “why not?” he answered, “why?” at first. Then he went on to say how they can’t help you, only hurt you and your friends. This made sense to me. He told us how after high school he went to college and then got a job that he loved. He said, “the most important thing is to love what you do. Otherwise what is the point?”

Because this man came to our school I feel I have a chance to do what I want to. Before, I felt I would have to get a job just for the money and not the joy. So now I work harder in school and I’m getting better grades. I only hang out with kids who are like me because I don’t want to deal with people who think what I am doing is a waste of time. I work hard and love it. Now I can’t wait for the future to come.

If this man had not come to our school then who knows where I would be. I would most likely be having trouble in school and hanging around with the wrong crowd. I’m very thankful that the school let him come talk to us. Now I have a job, good grades, a car, and I’m a happier person. I could have ended up like so many of the kids in my neighborhood; into drugs and parties, instead of school and work. I see some of my old friends and wish they could have been affected by him like I was.

I hope the school keeps doing things like have people come back and talk to the kids, because it shows them that they have a chance, too…a reason to work hard and study instead of going out. This is what it did for me. I’m very thankful and happy for that. I can only hope things in my life stay the same.