MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH:

I was teased throughout grade school which put a huge damper on my self-esteem and while in high school I tried marijuana a couple of times my sophomore year and I hung out with an unsavory crowd, so my message to the youth is to remember who you are. No matter what happens in life, whether it's bullying, teasing, relationship problems, problems with friends or seemingly dysfunctional families, turning to drugs and alcohol is not the answer. Even in high school if you find yourself hanging out with a group of kids who use drugs and alcohol, it's always ok to say no and it's never ok for them to continually pressure you to do something you don't want to. I'd also like to stress the point of having a strong relationship with your parents. They're your best resource, not to mention talking to your parents really is cool.