Nearly every teenager in high school is asked to try drugs at some point in time. Nearly every teenager in high school has a point in time where they decide to say “yes” or “no.” When they say “yes,” they risk investing in an emotionally, academically, and socially destructive dependency that can even be life-threatening.

Like many other students have, I paid the consequences for saying “yes.” It was a Friday at 10:30 in the morning, and I had skipped school to eat breakfast and get high with my friends. For some reason, we decided that it would also be a good idea to come into school late and finish the school day, reeking of weed. So, we came to school, and as soon as we walked into the door, we got brought into the Dean’s office. We were searched, checked by the nurse, and sent home. It wasn’t until the next day that I realized the direction in which I was headed, and the direction in which many other NK students are headed as well. It all became clear that my motivation and drive for success had disappeared. Failing honors classes, chronic absence, and sleepless nights were all due to the fact that I, like other students, had focused too much on getting high.

Throughout the school year, drug use among NK students has become increasingly overwhelming. Many accounts of students being caught with substances on campus have occurred, and some students have even been caught under the influence while at school.

Students and administrators agree that the amount of students that are affected by drugs is devastating, and it goes to show that drugs can have a major impact on a school’s culture. “It’s amazing to me how far down the fingers have reached, that underclassmen are using these kinds of things and they don’t even know what’s in them,” said Mr. Brian McDonald, Dean of Students. “You would never ever expect the amount of kids and the amount of exposure they have to these things.”

Drugs, especially given the addictive and reliant personalities of teens, can easily capture the life of a student. Whenever a student invests in drugs, the need for that drug encompasses all other aspects of life. Whether it be waking up for school or getting a homework assignment done, it’s not as important to these students as getting high.

“I spent a lot of time trying to find that high instead of getting my homework done,” said a sophomore who wishes to remain anonymous. This prioritization of drugs over academics is extremely destructive to a student’s life. It can lead to a life of dependence on drugs rather than dependence on hard work.

The doors of Mrs. Jessica Wolke’s office are always open to students who need help. Wolke is the school’s Student Assistance Counselor. Speaking with someone about where / how you need help is not only emotionally relieving for many students, but in this case, it is confidential. Many students who are affected by drugs have had the opportunity to speak with Mrs. Wolke. They have learned that it’s not just okay, but that it is admirable and strong, to admit that they need help.

The truth behind student drug use is staggering. Students are allowing their lives to be driven by drugs instead of by themselves. For anyone who is affected by drug use, it is crucial to know that there is a problem. Self-identifying the problem is the first step to regaining control over one’s life. NK is at the center of the epidemic of student drug use, but with knowledge and awareness, students can develop priorities and excel in all aspects of life. Doing drugs won’t get you a degree, but dedicating yourself to true success might.