Small Choices, Big Impact

Friday night football games at Broughton High School, late-night Cook Out runs, and cramming for tests in the library with friends—these are some of the moments I know I’ll never forget. They’re the things that make being a high school student in Raleigh special. But I’ve also seen how quickly those memories can be overshadowed when substances get involved.

Here’s something that really hit me this year: according to recent surveys, North Carolina ranks second in the nation for teen vaping and drinking. That means our state—and our own communities—are facing some of the highest risks in the country. And if you’ve walked down the hallways at Broughton or overheard conversations in the courtyard, you know this isn’t just a statistic. It’s real. We all know someone who’s been pressured to try something or has brought a vape to school.

Being a student is already a full-time job, and balancing sports, AP classes, or part-time work is hard enough. Add the pressure of parties or “just trying it once,” and it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: we’re not powerless. We, as students, can help change those numbers. Even small actions—like saying no, supporting a friend, or sharing what you’ve learned—can have a significant impact on the culture around us.

At Broughton, our SADD chapter has been working to integrate prevention into our school’s culture. One of the most powerful moments this year was when Scott Crawford came to speak with us. Hearing him share his own story about the bad decisions he made with substances and how they affected his life hits different than just reading a statistic. He was honest about the struggles, the consequences, and the things he wished he could change. Listening to someone who has lived through those choices made the risks feel real—not just theoretical—and it prompted many of us to stop and think about our own decisions.

The truth is, these efforts really matter. They change the conversations we have with our friends, teammates, and even our families. When someone brings out a vape at a party, your choice to say “no thanks” doesn’t just protect you—it shows others that it’s okay to make a different choice. That ripple effect is what makes prevention powerful and personal.

The risks are real. Research shows that teens who start drinking or vaping early are far more likely to struggle with addiction later. But every time we make a healthy choice, we push back against those statistics. And we don’t have to do it alone. SADD gives us resources and a platform to speak up, and it’s incredible what can happen when students lead the way.

One of the best moments for me this year was when a friend pulled me aside after class and said, “Hey, I decided not to go to that party after what you said in the meeting.” That’s what it’s all about—not preaching to people, but being there for them, showing that we care enough to talk about it.

So here’s my challenge to everyone: let’s be the class that proves those North Carolina statistics wrong. Let’s keep creating substance-free memories we’ll actually want to remember. Host that movie night, plan that game tournament, or have an honest conversation with a friend who might need to hear it. Even the smallest decision can make a big difference.

Our choices matter, and together, we can make sure North Carolina teens are defined by the memories we’re proud of—not the mistakes we wish we could take back.