Arizona Students Against Destructive Decisions Student Leadership Council

Throughout my life, I am able to recall numerous experiences which “stand out” in my mind as being meaningful. However, one experience emerges above all others; the anticipation and excitement of being selected as a member of the Arizona Students Against Destructive Decisions Student Leadership Council in June 2006. At that time, the more commonly known name of the organization was Students Against Driving Drunk which has grown to become the nation’s dominant peer-to-peer youth education and prevention organization with thousands of chapters in middle schools, high schools and colleges across the country.

During most of my grade school and middle school years, I had been exposed to the Students Against Destructive Decisions Programs, both at school and through my father’s occupation as a therapist. I recall vividly participating or aiding in many of their health fairs and events. After school or on weekends, as a grade school student I handed out stickers, informational brochures and sometimes candy or balloons to get other students and or their parents interested in the healthy information at our booth. I became known as one of the youngest and persistent volunteers. One could not get by our booth without either a sticker or a balloon, and most certainly, useful information.

I distinctly remember the Students Against Destructive Decisions Arizona Coordinator, Jessica Smith approaching me in 2006 and asking if I would be interested in applying for a position on the Arizona State Students Against Destructive Decisions Leadership Council. The decision to apply was not one that I had to think twice about.

I felt that the Student Leadership Council was an organization that I would be proud to be associated with. I unde...

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...uicide and violence. I am even more conscious today of the obstacles teens, including myself, face as we continue on our journey to college.

Finally, as a member of the Student Leadership Council, I have developed meaningful relationships with peers, advisors and community leaders, some who share my views and others whose views are utterly different from mine. I have been able to grow tremendously from my association with Students Against Destructive Decisions. Thus, it is my desire to continue volunteering for the Students Against Destructive Decisions Student Leadership Council, even after I graduate from high school, because it has been such a meaningful and rewarding experience. It is my hopes that I will be able to some day facilitate a Students Against Destructive Decisions Program in my community, as there is an urgent need for positive adult mentors.