A Photo Voice Project
We wanted to know what keeps our teens motivated to stay alcohol and other drug-free. We asked 8 th 12 th graders in Mundelein schools to submit a photo with a short caption that explains what motivates them to be drug-free. This gallery highlights the many positive reasons our youth in Mundelein are living healthy and drug-free lives!
Jasmine Fremont Middle School 8 th grade Being with my family is my favorite part of life. The reason I stay drug and alcohol-free is to cherish every moment with them. Whether it is playing our favorite board game, watching the latest movie, or visiting one of our favorite destinations, I always have fun with them. I couldn t imagine a world without them and I am very glad to call them my happiness. I wouldn t want to be a part of a drug filled world as long as I have them.
Jake Mundelein HS 12 th Grade College is what motivates me to stay drug-free! My future success and potential is the driving force in having me make safe and healthy decisions. I intend to spend many years after high school pursuing higher education degrees at a top ranking university. The thought that all that could be taken away or end because of a silly mistake or poor decision is quite frightening and surreal. By living and advocating for a drug-free and healthy life, I have been an example for my peers and all those around me. This picture represents my future at a university reaching for my dreams and goals.
Emily Carmel Catholic HS 11 th Grade Females are not typically seen in the professional sports setting and for the longest time, I ve had a dream to be. A dream to be on the ice working as an athletic trainer for the Chicago Blackhawks. A dream such as mine requires hard work and determination, and therefore I cannot jeopardize my future through the use of drugs or alcohol. One bad choice could make my entire dream go up in flames, so I stay motivated to be drug and alcohol-free.
Sidney Mundelein HS 12 th Grade Many older siblings don't realize what a huge part they play in their younger brothers' or sisters' lives. They like to live selfishly, not even considering the example they set. My younger sister motivates me to be alcohol and drug- free. I want her to grow up knowing that she can enjoy her youth while still keeping the future in mind. I have seen kids ruin their lives with drugs and alcohol and I don't want that to be her. She has big dreams and I want to see her achieve them.
Jessica Mundelein HS 12 th Grade Being a photographer isn't easy but living a life without drugs or alcohol is. I have so many opportunities in life and with those opportunities it motivates me to stay drug-free. Knowing I have these chances I'm not going to risk losing them. What motivates me to stay drug-free is the endless love I have for photography. I d like to live my drug- free life to the fullest and keep capturing moments I'll never forget!
Maggie Mundelein HS 10 th Grade Tennis is my absolute favorite sport. I couldn't imagine my life without playing. I stay drug-free in order to continue my passion and to keep improving at my tennis game. I have so much fun with my team members and meeting new people and I would be devastated to lose that experience due to drugs. It's important to find something to keep someone happy and drug-free, and I have found that in tennis.
Jennifer Carl Sandburg 8 th Grade I chose this image because I want to buy a house for my family someday. It s been very hard for them changing to another country and finding work to give us something to eat. I would love one day to help them. To achieve my goals I have to keep my grades up and keep studying and reading. I want to be drug-free because I want to achieve my goal of buying my family a house. If I get into drugs I would get addicted to them and would not be able to buy a house for my family. I want to be drugfree and make my family proud.
Erika Carl Sandburg MS 8 th Grade Horseback riding is one of my favorite things to do. Someday I would like to buy a horse and ride it in my free time. I don t want to do bad things in life because I wouldn't get to buy a horse. I want to be drug-free because I don t want to disappoint the people around me. Also I don t want drugs to affect my body in a bad way. I want to be able to buy a horse in my future and enjoy life!
Help us spread the word about the positive choices our teens are making in Mundelein! If you are interested in hosting our photovoice gallery exhibit at your Mundelein organization or event, please contact Kim at kradoy@nicasa.org or call 847-201-7219.
The Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force is comprised of local community partners united together by our passion and dedication to the prevention of underage drinking and drug use. Our goals are to reduce the use of alcohol and marijuana use by youth in the community. Be part of the solution join us at our monthly meetings held the 2 nd Thursday of every month from 8:30-10:00 am at the Mundelein Police Station. For more info please visit our website at www.mundeleinstandup.org. Like us on Facebook at mundeleinstandup