DEAR ABBY: I am a 15-year-old high school sophomore. "Stressed Out in Washington" said it was difficult to avoid drinking, in spite of his school's rules that students would be dropped from sports if they went to parties where alcohol or drugs were used.
I have also made a decision not to drink. Many of my friends do, although my close friends do not. Sometimes I feel left out when I have to refuse invitations to parties with the popular crowd because they will be drinking and doing drugs. More than once, I have been tempted to go. I think that if I try drinking once I'll be satisfied and never do it again. But many of my friends who thought the same thing said it was harder to resist after trying it.
Now when I'm tempted to drink, I think about how I would disappoint others. My parents would no longer trust me, and I would let my little brother and sister down because they look to me as an example. Also, I volunteer with children in my church, teach Sunday school and work in the nursery. If their parents found out that I went to parties where there was drinking, they wouldn't trust me with their children.
My school also has a policy of dropping kids from athletic teams if they are caught drinking or are with others who are drinking. I am a cheerleader, and drinking would jeopardize my being on the squad. I agree with this policy because it probably keeps a few kids from drinking.
Abby, the reason athletes suffer consequences and kids who don't play sports get off with no punishment is that athletes are looked up to by everyone else. They set the standard for what is considered acceptable by the rest of the students. If athletes looked down on drinking, it would encourage others to follow.
I hope "Stressed Out" continues setting a high standard for other students. Maybe a few of them will follow his example. -- ARIZONA CHEERLEADER
DEAR ARIZONA CHEERLEADER: I hope so, too. You are a very wise young lady. When "Stressed Out in Washington" sees your supportive letter, I'm certain it will strengthen his resolve. Thank you for writing.