Vaping has become a widespread issue among teenagers, with many young people believing it’s a safer alternative to smoking. However, the reality is that vaping poses serious health risks, especially for adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nicotine in e-cigarettes can harm the developing brain, affecting areas responsible for attention, learning, and impulse control. This makes teens more susceptible to addiction and can lead to long-term cognitive issues .

The dangers of vaping aren’t just theoretical; real-life cases highlight the severity of the issue. For instance, a 16-year-old girl from Las Vegas developed a life-threatening lung infection after vaping marijuana and nicotine. She was diagnosed with Lemierre’s syndrome, a rare complication leading to sepsis, and spent a month in the hospital recovering . Such incidents underscore the potential for immediate and severe health consequences.

To combat teen vaping, it’s essential to implement effective prevention strategies. The CDC suggests that parents and caregivers play a crucial role by setting a good example, making their homes tobacco-free, and engaging in open conversations about the risks of vaping. Additionally, schools can help by enforcing tobacco-free policies and offering support to students who wish to quit .

In conclusion, while vaping might seem harmless, it carries significant risks for teenagers. Through education, open dialogue, and supportive environments, we can help prevent the rise of teen vaping and ensure a healthier future for young people.

AVID has taught me a lot— not just how to be a better student, but how to think in new ways. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to ask questions that actually help me learn. In tutorials, I’ve learned how to break down tough problems and work through them step by step, with help from my group. It’s not just about getting the answer—it’s about understanding why and how we got there. It’s made me more confident in asking questions and helping others too.

Another part of AVID that’s helped me grow is Socratic Seminars. At first, I wasn’t really used to speaking out in front of others, but Socratics taught me how to listen, think deeper, and express my ideas clearly. It’s helped me be more confident when I speak, and it’s also shown me how to understand different points of view. That’s something I know I’ll use way beyond school.

What I like most about AVID is the support system. We’re all in it together—encouraging each other, holding each other accountable, and pushing each other to reach our goals. It feels like a family, and that motivates me to keep going.

My future plans are big. I plan to go to high school ready to work hard and keep growing. After that, I want to attend Stanford University and eventually start my own business. I know it won’t be easy, but AVID has already given me the mindset, the skills, and the confidence to go after what I want.

Thank you to my AVID teacher, my classmates, and everyone who’s helped me on this journey. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for everything that’s ahead.

Thank you.