STASHING POT IN LOCKER STUPID; APOLOGIZE, ADMIT LACK OF JUDGMENT

DEAR RHONA: Today has been the worst day of my life. I was busted for
having marijuana stashed in my school locker.

Some kid ratted me out to the police, who handcuffed me in front of
everyone and hauled me down to the station. One of the cops said I could be
fined and get six months in jail for possession. He threatened to beat me
if anything happens to the informer. I don't understand. I'm a good person
who doesn't rob stores or beats up old ladies, yet I'm being treated like
I'm a bad, violent person. I just like to chill out and smoke pot because
it makes me feel good. I'm really scared that my 17th birthday will be
spent behind bars. -- Depressed & Sleepless

Dear D & S: Trying to make it through high school without sex and drugs is
the best option on the multiple-choice test of teenage life. Since you have
opted to experiment while still under your parents' domain and the school's
jurisdiction, you must take responsibility for the outcome. I will spare
you the weed lecture and agree that the cop's attitude was no more
intelligent than your choice to bring drugs onto school property. If you
were really interested in secrecy, your locker would have been the last
choice on the list. The police officer's tactic -- to scare you straight
and threaten violence -- doesn't work because you don't trust his truth.
Your depressed state is not going to be alleviated by more smoke, so do the
right thing and apologize to all concerned. I don't think they'll send you
away for major time if you admit to your lack of judgment. Think what you
want, but don't give them any more reasons to believe you need lock-up
experience. Wait until you run your own life to decide what substances to
cosy up with.