School where the influence is at an all time high. Your parents aren’t hovering over you making your every decision. The people who surround you on a daily basis do things not in your best interest. You know if your parents caught you doing these things you would be grounded for a while. But you don’t want to be a “party pooper”. What do you do? Should you do it? Yolo?

Peer pressure is not new to any of us, just the older we get, the things we get pressured with change. We’ve been experiencing this same cycle since elementary school. How peer pressure gets to us nowadays has changed as well. If you ask your mom about peer pressure I guarantee she wouldn’t say instagram. So the way we deal with peer pressure varies compared to how it used to be.

Now you’re thinking to yourself, is it worth it? “Always stay true to yourself no matter if you end up being lonely or not having friends. Never lose yourself over trying to fit in because it won’t have a great effect in the long run.” – Kyla Price, a former graduate. 

The definition of peer pressure changes for everyone; some say it’s bad and corrupt, while others say it may develop character. “ Peer pressure definitely builds character development by really learning how to avoid it, and being your own self”- Madiellyn Dela Caza. Although it’s tough, peer pressure gives us a chance to learn and grow.

Peer pressure surrounds us on a daily basis, maybe good, maybe bad, but it’s all about a key of discernment. “ Follow YOUR own passions and hobbies. Have discernment with right from wrong . If you make a bad decision ”it’s okay” there’s always next time for better; if choosing unrighteous decisions feels good & goes unnoticed the consequences will catch up with you. Have integrity ! “ – Senior Mya Valentine