LIFE-CHANGING: Two PSJA students attend summit in effort to stomp out tobacco use

Victoria Flores has seen the effects of long-term tobacco use and wants to make sure no one else suffers such pain.

Two years ago, her grandmother was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary disease.

"She smoked ever since she was small. I saw what she went through," said Victoria, a 17-year-old junior at PSJA High School.
John Palacios, a 16-year-old sophomore at PSJA North High School, also was concerned about the effects of tobacco use and made it his mission to prevent others from taking on the dangerous habit.

"Smoking is a big issue. People are always trying to hide behind buildings (to smoke)," John said, but many don't realize the consequences usually come later in the form of smoking-related illnesses.

"I wanted to speak up (and) help the community," he said.

Last month, the teenagers were among about 60 high school students throughout the state who attended the Texas Youth Summit in Austin to discuss ideas on how to curb tobacco use and meet with legislators.

Those who attended the summit asked their local legislators to consider legislation that supports thwarting tobacco use, including making restaurants and other places smoke-free.

The PSJA students said they learned much more than they expected during the summit, such as how people exposed to secondhand smoke are also at risk for illnesses and how long-term use affects the body, especially the brain and arteries.
"It was a life-changing experience," Victoria said.

Their experience at the summit has inspired Victoria and John to start programs at their own schools to educate students, faculty and staff about the dangers of tobacco use.

Victoria said she is working with her school counselor to start a counseling program to help people quit smoking and convince others to not start the habit.

John is working with a club at his school to set up a PowerPoint presentation on tobacco use.

"The main idea is we've all got to come together to stop this," John said.

Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.