by Jordan Hinkle

“There’s one advantage to being 102 [years old]. There’s no peer pressure.” This quote by Dennis Wolfberg provides a humorous take on the topic of peer pressure. From kindergarten through adulthood, we experience peer pressure in various forms from the individuals we encounter along the way.

It is how we define peer pressure that really matters. Usually, it’s defined as pressure from others to behave in a certain way. Although this often holds a bad connotation, there can be some positive aspects to peer pressure depending upon the circumstance. College is a particularly crucial time to approach every situation and decision with care, so as to not do things you will regret. As with anything, the way you react to and cope with peer pressure all boils down to a matter of interpretation.

Even though it is hardly ever expressed in this way, peer pressure can have a good side. Whenever you first begin college, it’s often difficult to leave your comfort zone. High school provides a safety net of friends and activities. In regards to education, everyone is mostly on the same track. College is a totally different ballgame! Depending upon which school you decide to attend, you may initially know no one. Deciding on a major can sometimes be a difficult decision. In these times, there are often many individuals giving you advice about what you should do, who you should befriend, and in what you should get involved. Your parents may suggest you get involved in a campus ministry to make friends. This pressure will probably be positive in your college experience as you surround yourself with other students with your beliefs and values. Also, friends may influence your choice of major or other friends. This advice could turn out positively or negatively. The decision is ultimately up to you.

There is also a lot of negative pressure experienced by college students. Once students go out on their own for the first time, the transition can be difficult. When not constantly under the supervision of your parents, you are left to make your own decisions and schedule. Dorm life often poses the first problem. I vividly remember my first year in the dorms. The first few weeks of the semester are fairly normal, with students attending their classes during the day and getting to know their neighbors in the evenings. But within a few weeks, the tables turn. There is the temptation to stay up talking, watching movies, or playing games at all hours of the night instead of studying. Many students catch up on missed sleep during class. This can be a difficult pressure on a new freshman, because there is a constant expectation to be social and it isn’t “cool” to actually study. This is a decision that every student must make for him- or herself. Within the social groups on campus, there are also expectations to dress certain ways, date certain people, and join certain groups, like sororities and fraternities. While these things do not have to be completely negative, it is easier to compromise your values when you are surrounded by people who do not uphold the same ones.

Finally, there is the “ugly” side of peer pressure; the side that most people are familiar with. This involves the stereotypical college life, comprised of parties, alcohol, sex, and drugs. College students are often looked down upon by many older individuals who believe all students behave in this way. But, this isn’t the case. Many students do not participate in these activities, but other students you encounter will deny that fact. My first day on campus, I was invited to a huge party which was promised to have tons of alcohol. I was shocked since I was a small town girl whose activities only revolved around church. But I soon learned that I was in a whole new world. Throughout my years of undergraduate and graduate education, I have seen many friends fall into the temptation to drink and party on a regular basis. I would like to provide hope that college does not have to be this way. You are in charge of your life and there is nobody that can tell you otherwise!

It is important to learn to cope with peer pressure, as it is impossible to avoid it as a college student. First, you should make friends that share your interests, whether it is through a campus ministry or other students in your major. Finding “true” friends will help you to avoid situations that you do not want to be a part of, and these friends should not push you to behave otherwise. Also, do not be afraid to say no! When someone tries to persuade you in a negative way, respond in a clear and non-judgmental manner. Be persistent in standing up for what you believe. It is often easy to cave when someone asks you the same thing over and over, but stand firm and you will always come out ahead. Finally, when you find yourself overwhelmed with peer pressure in any form, take it to God in prayer. Ask for God’s guidance in your daily life, and you will not be led astray!

Jordan Hinkle is a third-year pharmacy student at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She loves animals, and enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her fiancé, Jonathan.