Annually, the ISM community is given the opportunity to interact with representatives from the Freedom from Chemical Dependency organization, commonly known as FCD. This non-profit organization is the world’s leading provider of educational substance abuse services, and is also known for its elite pool of passionate staff, all of whom have personally experienced and overcome severe drug abuse. For her third visit to Manila, Ms. Kari Yuen joins the Bearcats to educate students on the importance of establishing correct perceptions of social norms, and to encourage student leaders to initiate change.
On Wednesday, September 18, 2013, ISM hosted a special conference in the hope of recognizing and eliminating false perceptions of alcoholism and drug abuse that exist within the ISM community. As a reformed alcoholic, Ms. Kari shared that she too was misguided by her false perception of social norms. She had believed “anyone who was anyone drank (alcohol) in high school”; therefore, it would not hurt to just try. These false perceptions are often what serve as a gateway for younger students to start abusing harmful substances.
This is why FCD is very keen to start warning students at a young age against the dangers of drinking. Speakers such as Ms. Kari start talking to students that are in the 8th grade of middle school. The requirement to educate audiences ranging from 14 to 18 year olds is emphasized in the captivating nature of FCD’s talks. Senior Lindsay Langevin comments how Kari was “very interactive,” when lecturing to the Grade 12s as she managed to relate a fun game of ‘Simon Says’ to the consequences of drug abuse. The enthusiastic energy and relevant information that Kari was able to relay to ISM’s students attests to the quality of preparation from FCD and the positive attitude with which they are welcomed in our school.
Written by: Samantha Um
Image from: http://www.fcd.org/
