By Scarlett Constand ’16 | Opinion Editor
One-fourth of a damn cookie. That’s all it took to set off a series of events that would forever change my sense of self-worth.
I’ve experimented with marijuana and alcohol before, much like most other teenagers. That doesn’t make me, or any of them, a bad person or unworthy of respect.
My parents have always told me the best way to get people to stop gossiping behind your back is to address the gossip head on.
So that’s what I’m doing. I’m owning up to my mistakes.
I ate part of an edible before I went on the January choir competition trip to Findlay, Ohio. The school found out, and I was punished accordingly. Take a look at the the student code of conduct if you don’t believe me.
My consequences were just and still impact my life. I didn’t get to go on the mid-winter break trip to Ireland, and I couldn’t travel on March 11 with the rest of the choir to the overnight trip to compete in Fort Wayne, Ind.
What makes me different is how I’ve reacted to the entire Findlay ordeal. It was a wakeup call. It made me finally realize that I couldn’t keep slipping into a downward spiral.
Some people may use substances in order to feel happier, relieve stress or just to forget about life. What they probably don’t know, or care about, is that marijuana and alcohol are depressants.
You may feel relaxed and jubilant in the moment, but afterwards you feel empty and far worse than before you started.
Whatever you think alcohol or marijuana will fix–trust me–it won’t. Things just get worse.
Before you accept a drink or a hit, stop and think about the consequences. They’re never worth it. Don’t put yourself at risk just to feel a moment of ignorance.
I’m currently digging myself out of a horrendous hole, but I know with time and perseverance, I can prove to everyone, including myself, that I’m more than my mistakes.
These mistakes have taught me a valuable lesson: the only person who can make me happy is myself.
It’s up to me to make or break my life.
It’s my responsibility to set a good precedent.
