Effectively communicating with students why drugs are a destructive path requires intentionality, thoughtfulness, and creativity.

Dawn Vaughn, health & physical education teacher at Shaler Area Middle School, invites students to reflect on their own life and articulate their own reason not to abuse substances. Students determine their “WHY”—the reason (or reasons) they will try their best not to become wrapped up in drug abuse and addiction. After this reflection, students anonymously write their “why” on a post-it note and stick it to the board in the back of the room. Their “whys” stay there all year long, reminding them what is important in their life and what can be ruined or affected if they give into the pressures to experiment with drugs. Many students express reasons such as not disappointing their parents, being a good role model for younger siblings, not repeating the mistakes of family members, etc.

Mrs. Vaughn explains, “I believe it is a powerful activity to get students really thinking about their future and the effect drug abuse can have on their lives. Students are encouraged to “keep their ‘why’ close by” and are invited to come back into the classroom throughout the year and reread their why to remind and recommit themselves to what’s really important to them.”