Red Ribbon Week and its effect on students

By Adam Enomoto

Red Ribbon Week is effective because of the heartfelt and genuine stories about the struggles against addiction.

This week is recognized on a national level, being observed by schools across the country. The primary goal of Red Ribbon Week is education, but it is not textbook education. It is not textbook education. It is education that comes from primary sources, from people who have struggled with drug addiction or abuse.

Students can learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol use, but until they hear real life stories of people, they can’t relate to the perils of drug addiction at home.

These stories are meaningful because many of the speakers at the Red Ribbon Week assembly were only about five years older than students at Mira Costa. Because of their age, many students can relate to them better.

These speakers were relatable and approachable and came to Mira Costa so they could impact the students here at Costa. According to Mady Emerson, having people come and talk to us who went through these experiences makes it more real than any other method. These speakers can give students insight to what their futures may be like if they decide to abuse drugs and alcohol.

Additionally, supporters of Red Ribbon Week try to get the entire school involved with drug and alcohol abuse awareness by tying small ribbons around the school. This subtle act reminds people of the choices they should make.

Red Ribbon Week is only for a school week, but it has been implemented at the national scale for schools across America. Having the awareness of drug abuse being taught across the nation demonstrates the merit of the program.

Education can help. If someone is told a true story about terrible drug and alcohol experiences, others can learn from it. If there is one less MIP, one less student who gets behind the wheel after drinking or even one less student who decides to reject drugs, then this program is effective.

Red Ribbon Week has an impact on students because these students identify with the speakers. This week shines a harsh light on the reality of drug use. Maybe if these speakers had encountered resistance and realized the cumulative effects of drinking and drug abuse, they might have a different story to tell today.