THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 7, 1995 TAG: 9504050175
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
Chesapeake high schools and Families United Against Drugs periodically recognize a student who is dedicated to a drug-free lifestyle.
A senior at Great Bridge High School, Kara Siedlecki plays softball and is active in peer mediation (counseling) and the Key Club.
Q. Part of the criteria for being recognized by this program is that you must be drug-free for at least two years. Have you always been drug free?
A. Yes. The need for drugs never entered my mind. I do not need to use drugs and alcohol to have a good time. It's not part of my lifestyle. I just don't want to screw up my life.
Q. If you have never used drugs, what was it that convinced you never to use them?
A. With peer pressure everywhere, thinking about using drugs is something that cannot be helped. Willpower is what actually stops a person from using drugs. Sometimes it might even be a friend who can help you see that. I saw this guy who was so messed up. He really looked bad and that convinced me not to do drugs.
Q. Some politicians have suggested legalizing drugs as a way to curb abuse. Do you think legalization would increase or decrease drug use among teens? Why?
A. Drugs have been used for so long that if legalized now, the drug use would definitely increase, not just in the Great Bridge area, but in the whole Tidewater area.
Q. Do you face a lot of negative peer pressure because of your outspoken stand against drugs and alcohol? If so, how do you handle it without looking like a goody-goody?
A. No. I'm an open-minded student who believes everyone deserves a fair chance. I want to help everyone that I can because teens today are followers, not leaders.
Q. What, if anything, do you say to friends who do use drugs?
A. Drugs do harm in more ways than one. Not only do they harm the body, but they also harm any future plans. My advice for teens is that you don't need drugs to have a good time. It is not written down anywhere that you will look uncool if you don't use them.
Q. Who do you look up to as a model for a drug-free lifestyle?
A. Adults have a little more knowledge on the subject of drugs. I would believe an adult who spoke about the harms of drug use more than someone who uses them and says it can't hurt you.
Q. What are your plans for the future?
A. After graduating from high school, I want to go to college and become a physical therapist or radiologist and drugs aren't going to get me there. MEMO: Kara was interviewed by Jill Falkenstein, a junior at Great Bridge High
School, who is taking journalism.
ILLUSTRATION: Siedlecki
by CNB