Home › Resources ›
MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 19

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 19

March 4, 2002
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

"Nick, we shouldn't be driving. Let Matt do it. He hasn't had any. He's in way better condition than either of us," Sam says, as we walk over to Nick's car.

"Fine by me," I say, hoping that Nick won't mind if I take his keys.

But, Nick snatches them away. "No way I'm letting Matt drive my car. It's my car and I'm driving. Whether you come with me or find your own ride home it is up to you. I don't care what you decide."

When he's sober, Nick is not so bad. At school, he's kind of a leader. People look up to him because he has a decent sense of humor and is the best point guard we've had in years. If I don't go along with Nick, I know he'll hold a grudge. Since Nick kind of sets the pace at school and on the team, that means the next few days could be really unpleasant for me.

Then again, if I get in the car, I could get hurt or, worse yet, we could hurt someone else. That's not the kind of person I want to be.

What should I do?

"Matt, get in the car. I've driven in a way worse condition before and it's never been a problem. Don't be so uptight."

Maybe I am being uptight. Nick does seem to have more experience in this department.

As I open the door and start to take a seat, I suddenly remember an old quote my grandpa used to say to me: "Matt," he'd say, "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."

I can't let Nick pressure me into being someone that I don't want to be. If I can't say no to drinking and driving, will I have the courage to say no if he pressures me to take steroids or haze freshmen on the team? I don't want to be someone with no principles and no sense. I don't want to die, or risk hurting someone else.

As I get out of the car, I am proud that I have acted like a man. I know that my grandpa would be proud of me, too. Next time, it's tough for me to make a decision, when I'm in doubt and I can't figure it out. I'll MAXIMize the Moment. I'll think of my grandfather's words first: "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."

This week's maxim is "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Those who stand for nothing fall for anything."
    Alexander Hamilton

Featured character trait

  • Courage- I am willing to do what is right, even if it is difficult.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Fortitude- I have the strength to live by my convictions.
  • Leadership- I am able to take charge and be a good example.
  • Responsibility - I know which behaviors must be avoided, what obligations I have, and those things that I should do; I act upon that knowledge.
  • Self-control - I have the strength to make difficult, even unpleasant, choices; I stay cognizant of and focused on my goals and my ideals.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Why is it so important that Matt stand up to Nick on this issue?
  • If Matt had gotten in the car with Nick, what might have happened? Who could be hurt by his choice?
  • List some potential consequences of Matt's choice to refuse the ride. List consequences of Matt's choice to refuse the ride, but still let Nick drive home.
  • Do you think that Matt made the right choice? Could Matt have made a better choice?
  • Did Matt really live up to his grandfather's expectations? Why or why not?
  • How different would the situation be if Matt had had a couple of beers, but was still more sober than Nick?
  • If you were Matt's parents what would you want him to do?
  • Do you think most teens would do in this situation?
  • Do you think most teens would try to do the right thing in a situation like this? Why or why not?
  • This seems like a decision that's a "no brainer." Why don't teens do it?

Related Links