Volume 1 (1999/2000)
Issue 1 (March 1999)
Issue 2 (Nov. 1999)
Issue 3 (Dec. 1999)
Issue 4 (Feb. 2000)
Issue 5 (March 2000)
Issue 6 (April 2000)
Issue 7 (May 2000)

Volume 2 (2000/2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2000)
Issue 2 (Oct. 2000)
Issue 3 (Jan. 2001)
Issue 4 (March 2001)
Issue 5 (April 2001)
Issue 6 (May 2001)

Volume 3 (2001)
Issue 1 (Sept. 2001)
Issue 2 (Nov. 2001)

Categories
Sport: 1 2 3
Lifestyles: 1 2 3
Commentary: 1 2 3
Review: 1 2 3
Writing: 1 2 3
Event: 1 2 3

Dare to be different!

Barbara McCormack
St Michael's Holy Faith Secondary School, Finglas

Ok, let's face it. In one way or another our friends and their opinions on particular topics have influenced us all. Our style, thoughts and opinions depend on their acceptance by our peers. However, many teenagers today take these pressures to extremes and allow others to influence their very nature. For example, some people feel they need to wear the same clothes as their friends in order to fit in properly. Others may decide to drink alcohol in a vague attempt to gain popularity. Indeed, their ability to socialise properly may depend very much on their attitude towards issues such as drinks or drugs. These pressures may lead to a lack of identity and self-esteem among teens as their freedom to express themselves is restricted immensely for fear of ridicule in any group.

We are all different. No two people look alike or think alike - this differentiates us from machines. We have the ability to express unique opinions that are relevant to ourselves. So next time someone asks what you think, stand your ground and show the world the wonder that is you.

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