SADD National Conference 2009

I had been looking forward to the SADD National Conference all summer. I cannot speak enough about how much I learned from just being in attendance. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the excitement in the air. This year’s theme was “Climbing the Hill.” It had a double meaning. First, since we were in Washington, D.C., it represented climbing Capitol Hill. Second, it represented climbing the hill of positive decision making and striving above destructive decisions. At SADD National Conference, I gained many new friends, learned more about the problems today’s teens face, and learned much about myself.

First and foremost, one of the best parts about attending the national conference was meeting new, interesting people. Everyone there valued and lived by SADD’s principles; because of this simple fact, meeting new friends was a piece of cake. Furthermore, from these new friends I gained many new project ideas and activities that I can use for my own SADD chapter.

Second, the knowledge that I gained from workshops was irreplaceable. Every year at the national conference, many organizations come in and educate SADD students on the issues that teens face. Many times, the workshops I sat in spoke of a topic that I was scarcely familiar with, but nevertheless was one vitally important. This year, I sat in a workshop on inhalant abuse. I knew inhalant abuse was a problem, but was curious to what extent it was. I had no idea that over one quarter of middle school students had abused inhalants. Finding out how large of a problem inhalant abuse is has inspired me to make prevention one of the key parts of my SADD chapter’s projects.

Third, I learned a lot about who I am as a person. Sometimes, trying to be a “SADD” student is very difficult in today’s world. It can be easy to question yourself when everyone and everything around you seems to be the polar opposite of what you stand for and are working toward. Being with other SADD students was great inspiration. I was reminded that I am not alone in the fight to advocate constructive decisions. Moreover, I learned that other people felt the same way. Overall, it is important to stick with being a “SADD” student even when it seem like all is against you. Just remember that what is right isn’t always popular and what is popular isn’t always right. Trust your instincts!

I had an amazing time at SADD National Conference. As a member of the incoming Executive Committee of the Student Leadership Council, I look forward to working with SADD students across the country and carrying out the SADD mission. Conference truly inspired me and I would highly encourage any student to attend!

For more information on SADD and how you can become involved, visit sadd.org.