Student Perspective: Positive Peer Influence

This article was written by Julie Hubacher, a student guest contributor to the Press. If you would like to submit a “student perspective” piece as a guest contributor, please contact Ms. Bruns, MCHS Advisor.

I have spent most of my high school experience caring so deeply of what others think of me. Trying to connect with the people who I thought were my friends and positive influences in my life. I changed myself to meet their standards so I could have a friend who was considered popular. I changed my beliefs and my clothing styles. I began to be ashamed of who I truly was. Like I was constantly trying to hide myself behind a mask, trying not to be forgotten or pushed aside. I was scared to be called names, or labeled as a “skid”, and afraid to stand up for myself. Soon, I was constantly shaming other people of their differences and faults, not noticing the hurt that I and my fellow peers were inflicting on each other. I became selfish; thinking I was better than the others around me. I started lying, leaving others out, and talking behind their backs, even turning on my own friends when others around me disapproved of their clothing or makeup. Throwing away great friendships all because of a label. All because I was scared to be myself, scared that others wouldn’t accept who I truly was.

Not until I myself was called a skid did I notice the hurt it brings. I began to self hate, hating the way I looked and acted. Noticing all the pain surrounding me in our school. I thought I was happy with all the friends I had. But as I looked deep into how they treated others and me, I noticed they were doing the same thing I was. My friends were using me just as I was them. I was just a ride, or someone to talk to when everyone else was mad at them, a back up plan for when no one better was around. I started to see who my true friends were. Noticing every little comment they all made. Seeing that sometimes you just have to slow down and think about what’s going on around you.

After slowing down I started to pay attention to what was going on around me. I could finally see the pain my peers and I had caused. I started to notice the kids sitting alone at lunch, the ones who had no partner in Biology class. I finally began to make everyone feel welcomed. I began to be partners with the shy kids, while I opened up to people who I made fun of. Taking full credit for my words, and ending it with an apology. Our school could be an all around better place to be if we all just slowed down, and thought before we spoke or did anything. Once you say or do something you regret, you can’t take it back. You can only take full responsibility, apologise, and try with all you can to not do it again. We all are different, and we all need to except that. No one is perfect. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, if you are tall or short, heavy or light. All that matters is that you believe in yourself. You are perfect just the way you are. Everyone has their faults, but they don’t define you.