Message from ccrawford

[Anonymous]

Using Clay's suggestion of clips, I think I might use the Quitting during the Opium Wars unit next semester. The whole issue of addiction and the pain it casues families, is, of course, universal. My father died in my arms from lung cancer, after a lifetime of smoking. I am sure we all have stories of sorrow because loved ones have been killed by drunk drivers, and worse. When I tell my high school students that my friend's nephew brutally killed his own mother and aunt while on meth, they are saddened and stunned. I hope they never get near drugs or think one little experiment could never cause harm.
I hope teachers remember to relate information and first hand stories to kids to help them have the courage to say no. The Quitting certainly validated my efforts as an educator to always be a role model and to use any opportunity to voice what is healthy and safe to our kids, who, like the protanganist, may not always have a clear mantra to help them make the right decision.
Cathy, Chaparral High, Temecula