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Questions and Answers
The author started using drugs at the age of twelve.
True
The author initially saw football as their top priority during their freshman year.
False
The author successfully maintained their grades while using drugs heavily.
False
Ms. Gruwell played a significant role in the author's transformation.
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The author received a full scholarship to a school in the Southeastern Conference.
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The author was addicted to substances for four years before seeking help.
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The author's new friends encouraged them to pursue their passion for football.
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The author believes they have what it takes to achieve a college degree and an NFL career.
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What was the primary reason that led the author to lose interest in football initially?
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Which factor was highlighted as contributing to the author's change in mindset regarding substance use?
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In terms of academic performance, how did the author’s grades change during high school?
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What motivated the author's parents to intervene in the author's life?
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What role did football play in the author's life at the beginning of their high school journey?
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What was the author's perspective on getting high at the end of their reflection?
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What does the author identify as their primary goal for the future?
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What substance use patterns did the author exhibit before their transformation?
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What shift in priorities occurred for the author from freshman year to their senior year?
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How did the author's relationship with family change during their struggles with substance use?
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What incremental changes led the author to rediscover their passion for football?
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Describe the author's academic transformation during high school.
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What internal realization does the author express about their past behaviors?
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What impact did engaging in Ms. Gruwell's class have on the author?
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How did the author perceive their future aspirations by the end of their reflection?
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Considering the author's journey, what role did friendship play in their transformation?
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Study Notes
Life Before Football Scholarship
- The author initially prioritized drugs and alcohol over school and football.
- Drug use began around age 12, escalating to daily marijuana use and other substance abuse by the time he reached high school.
- This led to neglecting school, football practice, and his old friendships.
Turning Point
- The author's parents actively intervened, seeking help through Ms. Gruwell's English class.
- A church camp experience further contributed to his positive transformation.
- The combination of Ms. Gruwell's class, the camp, and parental support helped him recognize his self-destructive behavior.
Transformation and Goals
- The author's priorities shifted significantly; drugs ceased to be a concern, replaced by friendships, fitness, and academics.
- Academic performance improved dramatically. He achieved a high grade (second highest A) in chemistry during his senior year after having previously failed the subject..
- He secured a full-ride football scholarship to a Pac-10 school and aims for a college degree and a future NFL career.
Life Before Football Scholarship
- The author was accepted to a Pac-10 school on a full scholarship.
- Four years prior, the author prioritized drugs and alcohol over school and football.
- Drug use began around age 12, escalating to daily marijuana use and various other substances by high school.
- This led to neglecting school, football practice, and old friends.
Turning Point
- The author's parents continuously supported him despite his struggles.
- His mother encouraged him to join Ms. Gruwell's English class, which, along with a church camp, helped him see the negative impact of his lifestyle.
Transformation and Future Goals
- The author's mindset shifted, prioritizing friends, workouts, and academics over substance use.
- He significantly improved his academic performance, achieving a high grade in chemistry.
- His future goals include earning a college degree and playing in the NFL.
Life Before Football Scholarship
- The author secured a full-ride football scholarship to a Pac-10 school.
- Four years prior, the author's life revolved around drugs, alcohol, and neglecting school.
- A childhood dream of playing football was overshadowed by substance abuse starting at age twelve.
- This involved ditching school, abandoning old friends, and developing a full-blown addiction by the freshman year of high school.
- Daily marijuana use and constant drinking escalated to experimentation with various other drugs.
- Parents' concerns and interventions were persistent despite the author's self-destructive behavior.
Turning Point and Recovery
- The author's mother enrolled him in Ms. Gruwell's engaging English class.
- A church camp experience further contributed to the author's positive transformation.
- Parental support played a crucial role in the author's recovery.
- The author's perspective shifted dramatically; substance abuse became irrelevant, replaced by priorities such as friendships and fitness training.
- Academic performance improved significantly, evidenced by achieving an "A" in chemistry during senior year, compared to prior failing grades.
Future Goals
- The author plans to pursue a college degree.
- An NFL career is a long-term objective.
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Description
This quiz explores the journey of an individual who overcame substance abuse through the support of family and education. Key experiences included intervention from parents, Ms. Gruwell's class, and a transformative church camp. Discover how these influences shifted his focus from drugs to academics and sports.
