Select one (1) of the characters listed below. Assume that character and create a narrative that responds to the questions.

 

Please note the following:

• Write the essay in the first person (ex. "My name is Angela, and this is my story."). Pretend you are telling the story from that person's perspective.
• The purpose of this assignment is for you to reflect on the mindset of those individuals mentioned below and try to answer why they have engaged in those drug-related behaviors.
• You are free to be as creative as you wish.
• This assignment should be no more than 1 page long single-spaced, and no longer than 2 pages, double-spaced.

 

Characters:

1) Angela, a 28-year-old daughter of alcoholic parents.

• What was her childhood like living with two alcoholic parents?
• What concerns/worries did she experience as a child?
• How has her parents' use of alcohol affected her own views about alcohol?
• What long-term effects has her parents' alcohol abuse had on her life?

 

2) Mercedes, a 20-year-old pregnant woman from Mexico who is an illegal immigrant and is smuggling drugs into the United States in order to make money.

• What circumstances made her do what she is doing?
• How does she smuggle drugs into the United States?
• What are her fears about smuggling drugs into the U.S.?
• How does she feel about what she is doing?

 

3) Andre, an 18-year-old young man who sells drugs for a living.

• Why is he selling drugs to make money?
• How does he feel about his illegal activity?
• What are his concerns, if any, about selling drugs?
• Does he ever think about what impact his activities are having on his community and those who are buying drugs from him?

 

4) Jacqueline, a 37-year-old female executive who is secretly drinking daily to cope with her hectic life.

• What role does her job play in her drinking habits?
• How does she justify her drinking to herself?
• What does she do to hide the fact that she drinks heavily?
• What does she think about getting help for her alcohol abuse?

 

5) David, a 21-year-old college wrestler who is using steroids to succeed in his sport.

• How has he justified using steroids to himself?
• What are his thoughts about "juicing" or the use of drugs to enhance his performance? Does he consider it cheating?
• What are his concerns (if any) about what steroids are doing to his body?
• Does he have any worries about getting caught?