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MTM Volume 3, Issue 8

MTM Volume 3, Issue 8

October 20, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment
Ethical Value: 
Kindness
Ethical Value: 
Self respect
Ethical Value: 
Courage
Age Range: 
11-13
Age Range: 
14-18

Authenticity

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

I'm so glad that I got invited to Sofia's party. She's new this year and everyone just adores her. Her party is going to be so cool.

When my mom drops me off, everyone's already there and all of the girls seem to be in great moods. We hang out in the basement so we're out of the way of her parents and can have some privacy. We watch some scary movies and play a few games. Nothing too exciting. It's pretty fun, but I guess I was expecting more. Sofia always seems to know the latest thing and, so far, it's been like every other party I've ever been to.

Then Sofia says, "Do you all want to try something really fun? Look what I 'borrowed' from my dad's liquor cabinet. Don't worry," she reassures us, "He never notices."

She pours some into each of our cups. It burns my throat and tastes awful. I try to hide my shock because I don't want anyone to think I'm a baby.

Some of the other girls are drinking it a lot more quickly. They start to get really silly.

I try to avoid having to drink more. I don't like the taste of it. And I don't like the way everyone's starting to act.

Sofia notices my full cup and starts bugging me about it: "Annabeth, you're going pretty slow. You need to catch up."

"Oh, that's OK. I'm fine, thanks," I reply.

Then, she turns on me. "Girls, apparenyly Annabeth's too good for our little game. I guess she can't handle being anything but the perfectly good girl. Annabeth, are worried that your precious Mommy and Daddy will find out?" she taunts.

Suddenly, I wonder why I ever wanted to be Sofia's friend. She's really not a nice person. I remember hearing this great Dr. Seuss quote: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." I shouldn't have to pretend for my friends. If someone is pressuring me to do something I don't want to be a part of, how much of a friend is she really?

I know that I have to do something. If I call my parents, they'll want to know why I want to go home. And that may get the rest of the girls in trouble. I'm suddenly really mad at Sofia for putting me in this position. She may seem cool, but she's definitely no friend of mine.

What should I do now?

Whatever I decide, from now on, I'll keep in mind that real friends let me be me. Real friends HELP me be me. Like Dr. Seuss said, I have to be who I am and say what I 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

  • Authenticity - I am genuine; I know who I am and let others see the "real me."

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

  • Friendship - I have authentic and healthy relationships because I let others see the real me; I form relationships with people who help me be the best version of myself.
  • Fortitude - I have the strength to live by my convictions.
  • Courage - I do what is right, even if it is challenging.
  • Strength - I have the courage and character to make wise decisions.
  • Self-respect - I know I am a worthwhile person and that I deserve to be treated with dignity; I treat myself and my body with dignity.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Do you think that students at this school are often pressured to drink or try drugs?
  • In the moment, at a party where everyone is doing it, it can be hard to say no. 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?
  • Kids are taught over and over again that drugs are dangerous and harmful. So, why do so many teens experiment with them? Are those valid reasons?
  • Annabeth decides to stop drinking because she doesn't like the taste and the effect the alcohol is having on her friends. What are some other reasons that it's not a good idea to drink or try drugs? List reasons that teens choose not to experiment with drinking and drugs.
  • In this story, Annabeth doesn't drive. A lot of teens think that, as long as you don't drive afterwards, it's OK to drink and even to get drunk. Other than drunk driving, what are some other ways you put yourself at risk by drinking?
  • 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?
  • Why is it so hard to say no when you are pressured by friends? What are some ways to avoid and/or overcome peer pressure?

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