Pubdate: Tue, 09 May 2000 Source: News & Observer (NC) Copyright: 2000 The News and Observer Publishing Company Contact: The People's Forum, P.O. Box 191, Raleigh, N.C. 27602 Fax: (919)829-4872 Website: http://www.news-observer.com/ Author: Molly Bergeson A LIFE-CHANGER Reading about the report on DARE surprised me, because I disagree entirely. Learning about the dangers of drugs, violence, peer pressure, etc., has changed my life. Being able to honestly say that I won't abuse drugs will help me to live a healthy life, focus on what's important, and set a good example for others. So many people don't get the privilege of DARE in their schools, and I feel lucky to spend an hour or two each week realizing who I really am, and the things you should know before graduating from elementary school. I don't believe that a school's interest in DARE and wanting that to be a part of the fifth grade is "ignorance." Many kids in my class alone have their own stories of friends, family and others who have been exposed to drugs and how this program has made them take a different perspective about smoking, drinking and the people in their lives. I thank all those who teach DARE, and I will never share the thought that DARE is a bad program. MOLLY BERGESON Raleigh - --- MAP posted-by: Greg