Learning from Personal Struggle by Meghan

Learning from Personal Struggle by Meghan - March 2017 Scholarship Essay

I know that many high schools have assemblies regarding the effects of drinking, smoking marijuana, and partying. However, not many schools provide information on the rising amount of teenagers who abuse prescription medications, which, in many cases, leads to the chronic use of heroin. Due to the fact that my own father had his own struggle with the addictive qualities of pain killers after suffering from a back injury, this issue holds a great importance in me. My dad passed away in 2008 from an accidental overdose of a combination of prescription medications and heroin-like drugs. I remember growing up jealous of my cousin and friends at school for having a father that was present in their life. I distinctly recall being little and constantly being angry at my dad for not giving me enough attention or the look of his eyes being glazed over while talking to me. I know that this way of thinking was completely unhealthy, but a part of me growing up wanted something that I could not have.

While at first I did not understand the impact his death would have on me, I realize now that I can use his life and story as motivation not only for my own success, but for the benefit of many people in my life and community. I have not shared my story with many people, and if giving a speech to my high school would make some difference, or save one life in the future, I would do anything. If teenagers are educated on the very real effects of taking addictive painkillers, they would be less likely to pursue them in the future. Personal experiences provide the audience with a deeper connection to the information being told and a feeling like they can relate to the reality of prescription medications. I would hope that some people could find something in my story to comprehend and feel called to spread the movement towards ending the abuse of painkillers.

Sometimes, teenagers believe that drugs such as painkillers would have no long-term effect on their lives because they feel as though they are immortal or invincible. Drugs do not take it easy on teenagers because they are younger and stronger than some adults. My speech to my high school would focus on the impact being addicted to drugs not only has on personal health, but also the effects it has on those around the addicted person. Because of my father, I have realized at a young age that life is fleeting and drugs affect every human in the same way. I want to use my experience and the gift of my father’s struggle to make some sort of change in my community.