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MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 31

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 31

May 27, 2002
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MAXIMize the Moment

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

Will is my best friend. We've grown up together, so I sometimes feel like his big brother, Max, is mine, too. Max has helped me through a lot of tough times. I really missed him when he was off at school and I'm so glad he's finally back in town.

When I get over to Max and Will's house, they're in the basement. Max shakes my hand and says, "It's good to see you again, Jack." And then he gives me a huge hug. It's great to be there-hanging out like old times. When the game comes on, we focus on it and don't talk a lot, but it's still a great time.

Max leaves the room and comes back a few minutes later. He reeks of weed. Both Will and I are surprised. It seems so out of character-so not Max.

Will handles it by trying to make light of the situation: "Hey, man, you stink! What have you been smoking?"

"Will, it's no big deal. It just helps me relax and clear my head, that's all. Don't be such a little kid. You're always so uptight. It's a good thing Jack's here. He's not so scared of everything. Jack, you'll help me finish this off, won't you?" he asks and starts to hand me the roach.

This can't be happening! It's like Bizarre-o World or something. Max is supposed to be my friend, my hero, my honorary big brother-not someone asking me to try weed. I'm used to having to say "no" at parties. I just never thought I'd have to say no to Max.

I'm livid, but I want to be cool. This is, after all, still Max. I owe him a lot and I don't want him to be mad at me. I'm sure this is just a phase he's going through-I shouldn't get so upset about it. Then I think of that crazy Dr. Seuss quote my little brother has hanging on his wall: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

I'm not just going to say "No." I'm going to let Max know how uncool it was of him to put me in that position and what a jerk he's being to Will. Will deserves better and so do I. Max may be mad at me for now, but, if he really is my friend, he'll get past it. And if not, then I guess we aren't as close as I thought.

This week's maxim is "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
    Dr. Seuss

Featured character trait

  • Honesty-I let others know who I really am; I am truthful about my beliefs and ideals.

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

  • Integrity-I live out my beliefs and values.
  • Trust-I have faith in others; I believe that they will treat me with respect.
  • Courage-I have the strength to live out my convictions.
  • Responsibility-I take care of obligations, including the need to maintain my health.
  • Respect-I know that I am valuable; I treat myself and my body with dignity.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Does this scenario seem realistic? Why or why not? Do you think that students at this school are often pressured to try drugs?
  • Kids are taught over and over again that drugs are dangerous and harmful. So, why do so many teens experiment with them?
  • In the moment, at a party where all your friends are doing it, the reasons you mentioned may seem fairly valid. Right now, when you're outside of the situation, do those still seem like good reasons?
  • How can thinking about the issue and making a decision about it now, when you aren't in a pressure-packed situation, help you to make the right choice then?
  • What are reasons that many teens choose not to experiment with drugs?
  • Adults often tell teens, "Even if all your friends are doing it, you don't have to." In response, many teens think, "That's easier said than done." In your opinion, how powerful a force is peer pressure?
  • Do most teens have the courage to stand up to their friends?
  • Do you agree with this week's maxim? If someone pressures you, is he/she really your friend? If a friend encourages you to do the right thing, but you don't want to, if he/she being your friend?

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