I am Lyla P,
Optimistic, courageous, influential, and understanding
Admirer of those who communicate effectively and express their views calmly
Who fears for one who doesn’t assess their circumstances properly and responds in a way that causes dangerous consequences
Who needs positive peer pressure, so I can clearly evaluate the right decisions to make that will maintain a stellar reputation
Who tries to avoid situations when my “friends” pressure me to make immature decisions and harm my body
Who wants to be a confident upstander for my friends when they’re in unsafe situations
Who hates those who anonymously bully innocent people through the internet and don’t get caught
Who knows that there are great humans in the world that will stand up for those who get bullied in the shadows everyday
Who hears the juvenile behavior from behind the middle school walls that are promoting underage drinking and other unhealthy habits
Who sees strong individuals fighting for change and helping those people rehabilitate
Who worries for vulnerable people who are preyed upon by negative pressure, and end up becoming addicted to tobacco, which harms themselves and others around them
Who wishes that one day the government will make a law to outlaw smoking
Who feels sorrow for all the innocent lives lost to D.U.Is each year
Who would like to see more preventative and proactive programs that will help recuperate from alcohol overdose for all people
Who pretends the opioid crisis is just magically going to end one day
Who will aid and give comfort to people struggling with addiction and help them regain careers and friends in society
Who hopes that my peers and I will continue to make the right decisions which will lead to more open doors and opportunities
Who finds happiness in achieving my goals and striving to accomplish more such as staying gritty on the soccer field and never giving up
Who cares for citizens and animals who don’t have a voice in this wide world of ours
Who strives to be an advocate for the voiceless, the environment, and even myself and my own views
Who enjoys confidently expressing my opinions to my fellow classmates and peers to try and inspire them to be the best they can be
Who gives advice to those fighting unseen battles on how to recover and find joy in life again
Who dreams of a world where there is peace, good fortune, health, and kindness
Who loves when humankind treats each other as equals and not just how they look on a spread sheet
Who pledges to be true to myself, my family, and the great community that we share and live in
Who will do my best to succeed in my adventure next year in middle school
That’s what DARE taught me
Lyla P (6th Grade)