Unmasking the Deception of Drugs

By: Shaili Patel, Kennedy College of Sciences Well-being Leader

Hey there, fellow River Hawks! It’s me, one of your Well-Being Leaders, Shaili Patel, back at it again with another pep talk. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s super important but often gets swept under the rug: staying away from drugs. And what’s a better way to tackle this topic than with the sweet, colorful world of bubble tea? 🍵✨

Bubble Tea: A Sweet Treat, not a Risky Choice

Picture yourself out with your friends, and a bubble tea shop is calling your name. You’ve got options like taro, thai, caramel milk tea and they all look delicious! But here’s the thing, just like how you wouldn’t want to mix up your bubble tea with something weird (like pickle juice, yikes!), you also don’t want to mix your life with drugs. 

Drugs might seem tempting, just like that extra scoop of boba, but they come with consequences that can sour your experience faster than a bad batch of tapioca pearls. The thrill of trying something new can be enticing, but it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being as part of your college journey.

The Boba Effect: Sipping Smart in a Sea of Choices

When you’re standing in line for bubble tea, you’ve got choices. Do you go for the classic flavor, or do you try something new? Similarly, in life, every decision counts. Choosing to stay away from drugs is like choosing the perfect blend of flavors; it helps keep your life delicious and full of joy.

Drugs might promise a fun escape, but they can derail your plans faster than you can say “extra boba.” They mess with your mood, your focus, and your overall vibe. Instead, focus on sipping on the good stuff like your friendships, passions, and all the amazing experiences college has to offer.

Healthy Ingredients for a Happy Life

Now, let’s chat about the ingredients that make your bubble tea truly awesome! 

1. Supportive Friends: Surround yourself with a crew that lifts you up. Good friends are like the perfect boba pearls — they add sweetness and texture to your life. If someone is pressuring you to try drugs, remember the power of saying “NO.”

2. Healthy Coping Strategies: When life gets tough (and let’s be real, sometimes it does), don’t reach for unhealthy substances. Instead, opt for something that fills your cup positively. Try exercising or even chatting with a trusted mentor. You’ll feel way better engaging in these healthy behaviors than if you had reached for that shady shortcut.

3. A Positive Perspective: Just like finding the right balance of sweetness in your bubble tea, maintaining a positive outlook on life can make all the difference. Life’s challenges are like those chewy tapioca pearls — they might be tough at first, but they’re manageable with a bit of patience and perseverance.

So, as you navigate the colorful and sometimes chaotic world of college life, remember, staying away from drugs isn’t just about saying “no.” It’s about saying “yes” to a future full of possibilities and joy. You’re a work in progress, and every good choice is a step toward becoming the best version of yourself.

Let’s toast to making choices that make us feel good! Next time you’re at the bubble tea shop (or facing a tough decision), channel that inner bubble tea lover and choose wisely. Your life is too precious to mix it up with anything that doesn’t serve your journey.

P.S. Don’t forget to hydrate! Bubble tea is delicious, but water is still your best friend. Stay fabulous, River Hawks! 🦅💖

Your friend,

Shaili