DARE ESSAY GIVES PROMISES TO OTHERS

Editor's Note: The following DARE essay was one of several chosen more or
less at random to show the quality of work produced by the students
participating.

I promise to say no to drugs - I promise my friends, family and community
members.

I have learned a lot in DARE. Now that I know more about drugs I know how
to say no to them. I have learned how to use the eight ways to say no. I
know what they do, what they are and how they can effect you. I know how to
pick good friends and how to stay with non-drug users. I've learned what
decisions are good and which are bad. I've learned about taking a risk and
what could happen. I have learned how to talk to people you trust. I now
feel more confident in myself and have built up self esteem.

I want to stay drug free because I want to feel good about myself, go to
university and become successful with a good career.

Now that I have told you what I promise, what I have learned, how I feel
about it and why I want to be drug free, I hope you see how much DARE has
taught me.