This piece is for a friend's daughter, Monica, who is struggling to find her place in her new college environment. Unfortunately, she learning that peer pressure doesn't end once you reach 18--sometimes it gets worse. She'll make it, but I opted to write this piece just to give her added encouragement...

Why don’t I just drop out and hang out?
I’ll tell you why not.

I’m responsible.


Why don’t I just sleep with any and everyone?
I’ll tell you why not.

I treat my body as a temple.


Why don’t I call in sick when I’m not?
I’ll tell you why not.

I’m in control and I’m honest.


Why don’t I just forget my troubles on a drug high?
I’ll tell you why not.

I’m positive about living and know


That when I don’t feel like going to work
Or like being bothered with responsibility--
These are tricks of the enemy--

You know who I mean.

The one that seduces your mind in weak moments
And says, ‘You can get away with it’.

I know that if He wins—
I’m defeated.
And it will take me twice as long
To regain what he stole.

I am constantly reminded by my conscious
That it’s not all about me--

There are those that depend on me
To carry my load
To use good judgment—

The trust they’ve put in me,
It’s my duty to respect it.

My peers who label me
‘Goody two shoes’,
‘No fun’ and a ‘square’

Get a chuckle from me
And nothing more…

For, at $2.25 a gallon,
I have a full tank of gas (and a car).
While they are stopped on empty…

I get to laugh last--

Filled with the knowledge,
That the only peer
Who puts pressure on me

Is me.