by Sha Sha

NUH!

Lemme tell y’all straight “NO” is one of the most powerful words you can use. And guess what? You don’t need no long explanation after it. No is no. Done talk.

In school and outside, everybody’s quick to pressure you, “leh awe bun sumn, nah.” “Take a drink, nobody go know.”  Stop put the alcohol in dem Epicurean water bottle like crack man and come a school !!

And all them unnecessary fighting FOR WHATTT?? “Fight dem, don’t let dem diss you so!” But hear nah, all them same people hyping you up? When you get suspended, when you end up sick, or when things get outta hand? They’re gone! It’s you, yourself and your shadow alone lef’ with the consequences.

Peer pressure real bad. Some so-called friends, we call them “runaway when you in problem friends”…they will push you into smoking, drinking, or doing stupidness just to see you mess up. A real friend is not supposed to force you, they’re supposed to respect your choices.

Bullying and fighting? Waste of time. People only gather ‘round for drama like it’s some movie. They nah care if you buss up yuh face or mash up yourself. Sometimes the strongest move is to walk away, keep yuh pride, and show them you bigger than them.

And we have to talk about another serious part too, rape and sexual pressure. “NO” means no. Point blank. PERIOD. If somebody nah listen when you say no, the problem is them, not you. Nobody owns your body but you. Don’t ever feel guilty for standing firm because you owe nobody nothing.

End of the day, saying “no” doesn’t make you soft. It makes you wise. It shows you respect yourself and your future. Remember: one lil’ “yes” to the wrong thing could change your whole life. But one strong “NO”? That could save it.

So, the next time somebody tries to push you into vibes you know ain’t good, look at ‘em straight and say: “NUH!” Personally I like to bawl out to a trusted adult, “MISS MISS LOOK WHAT THEY TELL ME MISS” or “YA DIFF MAH SEH NUHHHH??” That’s strength. That’s power. And if they don’t like you and stop talking to you, then SO WHAT??

All jokes aside, you are entitled and obligated to say no to any situation that makes you uncomfortable.

If something has happened already, do not be scared to open your mouth and TELL.

(The Princess Margaret School has two amazing Guidance Counselors.)

Feel free to check them if something has happened or has started to happen.

That’s all folks and remember the word of the day, is ‘NUH’.