The Silent Battle We See Every Day
- Likhith Bommineni
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Walking through the hallways of Sun Prairie West, I see it every day. The quick, nervous glances as someone ducks into a bathroom. The familiar scent of a sweet, fruity vape cloud clinging to the air. It’s an unspoken reality for so many of us—a silent struggle played out in every corner of our lives.
The truth is, this isn’t just about a habit; it’s about control. They didn’t start this to become addicted. They just wanted to fit in, to feel like they were part of the crowd. But now, it feels like the crowd has become a cage.
The Great American Smokeout, held on the third Thursday of November, is a single day that offers a crack in that cage. It’s a moment to pause and realize that the anxiety and constant need for a hit are not normal. It’s a day to remember what freedom feels like—to not be tied to a device, to be able to focus in class without a nagging craving, to breathe without that artificial sweetness in your lungs. It’s a day to feel the power of your own will, to understand that you are stronger than this addiction.
The consequences of vaping and using e-cigarettes are real. These products can lead to lifelong addiction. When you’re under the age of 25, nicotine use can severely diminish decision-making, learning, and impulse control—affecting every part of your daily life. Nicotine is highly addictive, and once it takes hold, the urges don’t simply go away.
And you are not alone. That’s the most important part. There are countless students right here in our hallways—and in schools across the country—fighting the same battle. We are a community, and we can support each other. You don’t have to carry this burden alone. There are resources designed just for us, places to turn when the cravings feel overwhelming and the journey feels impossible. They are there to listen without judgment and to offer a hand when you need it most.
At my high school, we have many initiatives that help students quit. No cost. No consequences. It’s not just about offering resources—it’s about being there for someone who has been through a lot. It’s about having the humanity to help someone in need. Even saying, “Hey man, how’s it going?” can mean the world to someone.
This Great American Smokeout, I’m asking you to be brave enough to resist that urge for just one day. I’m asking you to reach out to someone going through this. Do it not just for yourself, but for the person sitting next to you, for your friends, and for all of us.
Resources for Quitting Tobacco & Vaping
A free and confidential program for teens
Get help by text, phone, or online chat
Provides coaching and support to help you quit
Offers resources and campaigns focused on ending tobacco use
A free texting service for teens and young adults looking to quit vaping
Text DITCHVAPE to 88709