The fact that teenagers consume alcohol is not an unknown fact, and this is evident through initiatives such as “Draw the Line” that are created for the sole purpose of hindering such consumption. However, it is shocking, even to me, a student, to realize the extent to which alcohol is not only consumed, but abused in high school. Moreover, there seems to be a common misconception that such wrongdoings are committed only by public school students. I am here to personally testify that this, in fact, remains a devastating misconception.
As a product of 12 years of Catholic education, I can, unfortunately estimate that the underage drinking problem in private and parochial schools is equally, if not more serious than that of public schools. Anyone who has attended a small private school can attest that news spreads like wildfire, and rest assured, everyone knows about what happened at Joe’s house this past weekend. Many may be flabbergasted to learn about the excess of underage drinking that occurs in private schools, but if you think about it, it is all too easy to understand. Typically, children that attend private schools have wealthy parents, who may or may not be inclined to supply them with alcohol, if not merely leave it laying around the house where is can be accessed easily. The unfortunate news is that, although this behavior does not go unnoticed, much binge drinking that occurs does go unpunished, by both the school and parents. It is time for a wake up call and it is time to enact change!
You may be wondering then, why I choose to live alcohol free? I can credit it partially to my parents who raised me to refrain from engaging in illegal and harmful activities. I can also give credit to programs in school like DARE. However, my choice to remain alchol free is a personal one; and I know it will benefit me academically, physically, and even socially. I have been known to do crazy things, but I draw my line at underage drinking. Where do you draw the line?
--Kimberly, Peoria