Freshmen and sophomore students fill the gym on Nov.16 to watch a video production, “Get a Grip”. The video gave the students information on how to use self-control in everyday discussions.

After settling down the lively crowd and after a quick shout-out to the girls varsity volleyball team, the varsity football team, and the boys cross country team, Mr. Weisenburger introduced the three-screen production, “Get a Grip”, to the students. This presentation, embellished by upbeat music by well-known artists such as Eminem, Taio Cruz, Coldplay, and many others, discussed an often-overlooked concept of self-control and how it positively benefits one’s life. This notion was addressed several times throughout the production.

“The music caught my attention the most because it made sense with what was going on, but the message was clear,” sophomore Mia Delgado said.

In order for the students to get a better understanding of what the video was about, the presentation showed various examples of how a good use of willpower bolstered the lives of teens with applicable circumstances and conflicts. Stories like Becky’s, a little girl who was born with only one leg, gave inspirational examples of how to mold willpower in order to turn a negative occurrence into a good one. Self-control helps achieve goals by establishing a strong sense of willpower.

This strength was easily seen through another girl’s story. This teen had too much discipline and it turned out to be negative. She wanted to lose weight; however, she began refusing to eat and went from one hundred and twelve pounds to a shocking seventy pounds.

“The different perspectives of how other teens use self-control to help in several circumstances gives students the ability to see how they can succeed in anything,” history teacher Jennifer Williams stated. “I think it’s good for them to come back every year.”

Important details and advice were also given in this production as instances in which situations get out of hand without self-discipline. A statistic on cyber bullying shocked most of all the students; approximately fifty percent of all teens had cyber bullied at least once.

Once the informational video ended, students took a moment to reflect back on their own choices—and most importantly— to reflect on how much discipline they possessed. Some audience members began to question how they could use self-discipline in their lives and in others.

“After watching [the video],” freshman Alfonso Naranjo said, “I learned that you can always be there for a friend that needs help with self control.”

Faculty members, parents, and students alike can take the message to help them overcome certain circumstances in their lives. Self control and willpower can help anyone live a smoother and prosperous life.