Distressed, I stood alone and uncomfortable in a corner. Leaning for a sense of security, I propped myself up against the green wall. I twiddled my thumbs back and forth as I devised a plan of action.

This trip was supposed to be one of the greatest memories I would ever have. My team and I received an opportunity to compete in Disney World, ironically the happiest place in the world. However, this trip not only taught me a life-long lesson, but it also exposed some of my teammates’ true selves.

In my corner, better known as my sanctuary, I could hear my fellow teammates muttering about me being a “goody two shoes” all because I was “afraid to have fun.” Not only did I listen to them, but I also observed. The people I looked up to and respected made fools of themselves by making stupid decisions. “Why do people think drugs and alcohol are cool?” I thought to myself. Churning with anxiety, I fled to my hotel room for protection. Defeated, I settled onto my bed. I was alone. Tears of frustration formed in my eyes. All I wanted was to be home, unfortunately Dorothy not being a Disney character, clicking my heels together would not help.

My hotel room acted as an island of isolation. Lying in the dark, I heard murmurs of my teammates. “Try this!” “Drink some of this!” These words sailed into my room like a pirate ship raiding an island. Buried under the blanket, I attempted to escape reality. I could not bear to associate with them as they drank their lives away. As I tried to wrap my head around this situation, I asked myself, “Why did I become an outcast for choosing not to participate in their ‘fun’?” Then I came to a realization.

I wasn’t a loser, afraid to have fun, or an outcast. I was smart. Making wise decisions was something to take pride in. Although everyone around me drowned themselves in drinks, I segregated myself. I’m not a follower but a leader.

Looking back now, I am proud of my decision to not cave into peer pressure and stay above the influence. Not only a group of my teammates, but a large percentage of teens risk so much, for what? At the end of the day, I would rather be successful and be labelled a “loser” then not and be “cool”. Not caving in to what everyone else is doing can be tough, but it makes a good leader and person. This is one reason why I am a cheerleader because I enjoy leading my peers to good, positive things. In my Junior Leadership class, a prestigious club, we aim to help other teens make decisions like I did.

Although Disney World wasn’t “the happiest place on Earth” for me, it taught me valuable lessons I will carry-out through my life. Now I strive to positively influence peers in my community to avoid drinking. By acting as a role model and using my story as an example, for the younger generation.