Written by a CSUCI student.

Consuming alcohol is a common thing in today’s culture, but it's not a topic that everyone talks about comfortably. Many people use drinking alcohol to escape from their daily lives and relax without thinking about the ramifications. No one thinks about the long-term effects of drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol while participating in...

Content warning: this post contains a brief mention of domestic violence as well as drug use.

Written by a Ventura County young adult.

Throughout my life I always told myself I would never try or be peer pressured into using any type of drugs or alcohol. My story began when I met an ex of mine. I was super head over heels, and in that moment I would have done just about anything for...

Written by a CSUCI student.

Many of us have someone close to us who is abusing alcohol and not even realizing it. It turns out that alcohol is the most common substance people turn to for fast relief. Alcohol provides temporary relief for some who suffer from low self-esteem and look for coping mechanisms. Peer pressure and feeling “lesser than others” can cause someone to...

Written by a CSUCI student.

Being a first-generation student is something to take pride in. Being the first person in your family to obtain a higher degree such as a bachelor’s or master’s is phenomenal. I never thought I would go to college after graduating high school. I had decided I wanted to work, and I wanted something quick that would make me money. I didn’t go to...

What can you do to help reduce drug overdoses in our community?

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday, October 28th, 2023. To help reduce Rx drug misuse, abuse, and overdoses, Rx Take Back Day encourages the public to remove expired, unneeded, or unwanted medications from our homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and...

This post is from one of our wonderful community partners, TRANScend Youth. TRANScend Youth is a pending nonprofit focused on education, advocacy, and community building for transgender youth, by transgender youth. Through public speaking, community events, and online advocacy, TRANScend Youth hopes to build community and help create a better, kinder, and more educated world for young...

Written by a CSUCI student.

Growing up I had very low self-esteem. I believe this came from school bullies and family always picking on me about anything I would do. My mom was always comparing me to others, especially her friend’s daughters because we were all the same age, yet they always had better grades and stayed slim due to sports. I don’t think my mom realized that the more...

The following letter was written by Israel Lozano during our 2020 weekly writing group, The Green Walls Writer’s Project, in response to a prompt to write a letter to our feelings. 

Dear Disappointment,

It’s been six years since we’ve first met. Knowing you, you’re probably planning to surprise me with something soon. Maybe some seasonal depression, anxiety during...

Written by a CSUCI student.

Through working with BRITE, I was able to reflect on my own experiences involving drug and alcohol abuse. By bringing awareness to these dangerous activities I’ve been able to get a better understanding of why underage kids and even my own siblings participate in them. I wasn’t able to help or essentially persuade my siblings against drugs and...

Written by Sofia Noriega, a Ventura County high school student, featuring artwork by Sophie Kadan.

I can’t smile,

I think about homework 24/7,

When I am supposed to be having fun.

I can’t smile,

I think about the past,

When I should be thinking about the present.

I can’t smile,

I think about my exhausted feelings,

When I should bring out my happy side.

 ...

Content warning: This post includes mentions of child abuse, trauma, and mental health issues.

Written by a CSUCI student.

Every day since I was born seemed to be toxic and filled with worry. My family was extremely broken from a very young age. My earliest memories are of being 2 or 3 years old. It’s funny how our greatest memories are usually the worst. I recall punishments that...

Content warning: This post contains mentions of physical abuse, drug use, and overdose.

Written by a CSUCI student.

It’s crazy to think that drugs do not impact anyone's lives, because for me it’s always been a thing. I’m not saying that I’ve lived a grueling life, in shelters or anything like that, but I have always been aware of terrible things out there and...