The Suburban Epidemic by Nicolette

The Suburban Epidemic by Nicolette - May 2019 Scholarship Essay

Born and raised in Frederick, Maryland, we have sprouted from a rural farming community, to a bustling middle-class community in a rising suburb with top athletic and academic programs. One would think that with such great growth that this neighborhood needs no aid. Sadly, the rise in population, programs, and neighborhoods has also led to a huge opioid crisis that has taken the lives of an average classroom.

Frederick County is experiencing an epidemic surrounding the usage of opioids. The children of my community are not receiving the proper education and tools to combat the hard drugs that they are being faced with at such an impressionable age. With lack of educational resources comes a large portion of children engaging with opioids, for the simple fact that they have not been taught any better. I believe that if educational resources were readily available, specifically regarding the heavily prevalent opioid crisis, children will become more aware of the dangers of encountering hard drugs.

If given a $10,00 grant I would like to partner with the Frederick County Public School system and form an educational program that will teach the life altering effects that comes with opioids; in hopes that the more research we share with our children, the better equipped they are to handle situations that may arise in their social settings. Educational programs take immense planning, funding, and outputting as there is a need for interactive lessons that will leave an impressionable stamp.

I believe that with education comes the ability to make higher level decision making, and that children will be more likely to say no when faced with the opportunity of opioids, simply because they have learned of the fatal dangers. With great dedication and funding I believe that the opioid crisis in Frederick County can be combated, and I can be a part of a life saving effort in my hometown.