UNFOspreys.com Blog: Just say no

Just say no
Monday, Nov. 3, 2008
Mike Strasser (Men's Cross Country)

Hi, I'm Mike Strasser from the UNF cross country team and I, along with Rachel Stanley (women's track), Jennifer Bowen (women's basketball), Rachelle Rasley (women's basketball) and Mike Gottlieb (baseball), recently spoke to students at Brookeview Elementary School in Jacksonville about the dangers of drugs and other harmful substances along with what it takes to be successful at academics and extracurricular activities.

It was quite an enjoyable experience to see all those different kids and the potential each of them had. It was rewarding to me that hopefully my efforts, along with Mike's, Jen's, Michelle's and Rachelle's, would keep that potential and talent headed in the right direction and away from harmful substances.

It definitely took me back to my elementary school days, and it was cool to try to think of myself at their age and connect with them by putting myself in their shoes. I shared a few personal experiences some of my former friends and teammates had with drugs and the negative consequences that followed. I also made the main theme of my discussion about friendship and being there to support your friends, which one day they may need from them.

I feel it was especially important to convey to them the power they have against drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes when they say NO in a group instead of having to do it alone, which is much more difficult for adolescents. It is an awesome feeling to give back to the local community and help prevent students from turning to drugs.

Everyone at the school was extremely grateful and accommodating. The children were very well behaved and interested in what we had to say. After the initial assembly, which was broken up into two groups that were comprised of younger and older elementary students, the other athletes and I visited individual classrooms to answer questions.

These bright kids had great questions. Most were questions I was hoping they'd ask, along with expected random questions (i.e. “Who do you want to win the presidential election?”). Talk about putting me on the spot!

I really enjoyed the experience, and hopefully I can do it again sometime in the near future. The other athletes also did a tremendous job, and our combined efforts were a very powerful message to encourage them to “Just say no!”

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