See the Difference?

Hello! My name is Kristina Coia. I'm the author of 2 fantasy novels, Falcon's Prey and Lymeria, and the creator of a girls' empowerment presentation called Shine Through. (I also have to study for a geometry test this week.) But enough about me.
These past few weeks in school, I've noticed a lot of things that I had forgotten over the summer. Things like which hallway is most crowded 7th period, which water fountain spews water when you turn it on, how to walk on the right side of the hallway so you're not hall-roadkill, and so on. But another thing I've noticed is just how much you can be influenced by the people around you.
For example, today at lunch, I decided to try out a new seat. (Okay, I got there late and had to take the broken chair...) But my friend moved her backpack and invited me to sit next to her. So I did. Innocent, right?
But what happens when the situation is a bit different?
1. Rachel's friends play field hockey. Rachel has never played before, but because her friends are playing, she's going to try out for the team. It will be fun! She loves spending time with her friends and has always wanted to play a sport!
2. Rachel's friends play field hockey. Rachel has never played before, but because her friends are playing, she's going to try out for the team. What could be worse? She would rather sit through today's lecture on cytoplasm than play a sport! But her friends are playing. So she's trying out for the team.
See the difference?
We all are influenced by our friends. Sometimes it's a good thing. Maybe your friend knows more about the Articles of Confederation than you and can help you out with your history essay. But sometimes, it's not a good thing.
Now, you're probably thinking, So what? Field hockey never hurt anyone. Let me respond to that in the form of a health teacher. *clears throat*
Peer pressure. It is harmful. It is when teenagers are influenced to do unhealthy things by their peers. It can lead to poor decision-making skills, like substance abuse. Do not be influenced by peer pressure. Be healthy. Floss.
*exhales* Wow, I'm glad that's over. But in the end it's true. (Even the part about the floss.) When you agree to follow your friends, even into something as innocent as field hockey, you could eventually do things worse than that. Much worse.
If you like field hockey, then go for it!
If not, your true friends will understand.
You are the only person with the privilege of being yourself. And, besides, who's better suited for the job of being you than you?