Empowering Adolescents Through Peer Support - Umi 21

“Peer pressure was a constant presence in my life”

My name is Umi, and this is the story of a challenging time I faced in primary school at the age of 13. Peer pressure was a constant presence in my life, particularly because I didn't have a boyfriend like some other girls in my class.

A girl wrote a love letter

One day, an unexpected twist occurred. A girl wrote a love letter to a boy but falsely put my name on it, making it seem like it was from me. The boy approached me after school and confessed his feelings, leaving me shocked and uncertain about how to handle the situation.

I decided to go to school

Despite my internal struggle, I decided to go to school as usual the next day. However, instead of attending classes, I went to the beach until noon, trying to clear my mind. When asked why I returned home early, I resorted to lying, saying that I had been sent home due to unpaid school fees.

“My secret adventure at the beach didn't remain hidden”

My concerned father promised to pay the fees the next day and encouraged me to return to school. Unfortunately, my secret adventure at the beach didn't remain hidden. A relative noticed me wearing my school uniform during school hours and informed my father, who became angry and worried. I revealed the truth My teacher, understanding the gravity of the situation, asked me about my absence and the reason for lying. With no other choice, I revealed the truth.

The matter was resolved

With the truth out in the open, the matter was resolved. The girl who wrote the letter and other classmates pledged not to repeat such a mistake. This incident taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of honesty and open communication.

I felt more at ease returning to school

In the aftermath, I felt more at ease returning to school. My teacher recognized the need for guidance and counseling sessions to help us, young adolescents, navigate through these challenges. These sessions benefited me and my classmates as we learned how to cope with various pressures and difficulties that come with growing up.