Navigating peer influence.

The power of influence should not be underrated. Influence is powerful and we see influence expressed the most through peer pressure. Peer pressure influence can be both positive as well as negative. It just depends on the aspect one is tilting towards and the outcome of such an influence. Positive peer pressure influence speaks of support and results are always outstanding, fulfilling and excellent unlike negative peer pressure  influence which results in hurt, trauma, damage, regret and Shane. While in school as a student, I was not really so confident in myself. I felt out of place in my school as I knew no one or had anyone there.   My introverted nature did not help me at all. I was usually fidgeting on what to wear to classes and how to act because many of my coursemates were from affluent homes and they flaunted without inhibitions. It was choking and threatening for someone that came from a humble background. This made me become a home-buddy for several months. It was like I was eating war with my values  and principles against what I was seeing as a norm all around me. If I say that I dealt with it easily, then I wouldn't be truthful but I found some tricks that worked and helped me scale through and that's what I'll be sharing on this post. **I was true to myself** I think this is very important. Being grounded in what you believe in especially when you are certain that you are not in error. I saw lots of girls selling their bodies for luxuries so that they could be accepted in the “high clique”. I made an intentional decision to stick with my values and principles rather than join any clique. **I met supportive friends** If you met me in school, you would instantly know that I was a “church girl”. I dressed that way without shame as that followed my values and this also caused me to attract the same people to me as friends.  It was no surprise that I joined a Christian fellowship and these friends would check on me making sure to remind me of why I was in school in the first place. They were my support system and I am glad to have met them when I did.  **I set boundaries** This was possible because I am a strong willed person. If I don't want to do a thing, then nothing under heaven would get me to do it. My school is known for hosting lots of events and many organizations also host events. So it was like party after party every week.  One boundary I set for myself was not to attend events that I felt did not align with my values. **I also had trusted guides** While in school, I forged relationships with older people who were about to leave school. I also made a habit of talking to those older than me who also have more experience than me. I gleaned from their wisdom and experiences  on how they were able to navigate school successfully and I applied some tips that I was told. These were the tips that helped me navigate school peer pressure influence. ********* Thank you all for reading. Images used are mine. ************