The story “Being Different” is a good article and it has a very important message. Being with the “in” crowd can be inconvenient and even unsafe at times. Jason G. made an excellent point, stating that giving in to peer pressure is often related to wanting to be cool like the popular group. When you are trying to be well-liked by fellow teens, you can make bad decisions that could hurt you and others. I agree that it is important to have your own personality and to allow yourself to be different from everyone else.

I strive to be unique, and I make my own decisions by doing things I think are right, but unfortunately these are not always what the popular kids are doing. For instance, I try to do my best in school. I am also different in that I know I will never do drugs, smoke, or drive under the influence. These are things that could definitely harm me, so no matter what anyone else is doing, I won’t be involved in these activities.

I agree with Jason that being different is smarter and more fun than being popular or the same as everyone else.