Be Wise

by Shantel Hield

Going to college is a dream come true for many young ladies. For some going to college is appealing because it is an opportunity to be on their own, away from the protective reach of their parents. For others its an opportunity to spread their wings, become their own woman and make something of their lives.

Unfortunately, some young ladies don't only walk away from college with a degree but with a baby, a sexually transmitted disease or even a victim of date rape. It is a sad thing when it happens but in many cases it can be avoided. You have to be careful about the decisions you make. Making snap judgments about a person or a situation can lead to danger.

You hear about it all the time on talk shows, news reports and newspapers. A college junior reported she was gang raped while at a party. She said she had one drink, which apparently rendered her unconscious. She later awakened to find someone on top of her. It seems that someone had slipped something into her drink. This is something that happens all to frequently on many college campuses. Many young ladies are raped, often by someone they know. This is called date rape.

Remember just because you are on your own does not mean that you forget your
common sense. If you date, plan your dates, carefully and;

1. Don't allow yourself to be in a situation where you have a lot of time alone with a person.

2. Limit the amount of physical contact. Don't allow anyone freedom with your body.

3. Make sure that the person you are with knows that your NO always means NO.

Be wise! Your ultimate goal in going to college should be to get a degree and make a good life for yourself. Make sure you get it! Set limits for yourself. If you don't drink and smoke don't start in college. If you are a virgin or practicing abstinence stay that way. Hold yourself responsible to a higher standard! Don't compromise yourself. Work toward a college degree and not a college disaster.

Jun/Aug 2001