Looking Back
            
             I made many mistakes growing up. Some were harmless; some were more serious, which helped me to mature. The one that has had the biggest impact, not only on my life but the lives of others, nearly took my life.
             On my eighteenth birthday, some of my friends decided to take me out to "have a good time." I was what they called a goody-goody; I never really got in trouble. They decided to buy some alcohol. Alcohol? I was surprised, but so worried about what others thought that I agreed, even though my instincts and heart said No!
             I'd always listened to my parents, teachers, and the media explain how alcohol, and drugs are bad for you. I knew the consequences, but I wanted to be like everyone else and fit in. So, I took my first drink. I drank almost half a bottle of vodka, and by then it was like water to me. I could not feel it burn my insides, or even taste it. I felt so weird. It was a feeling I had never had before. I drank half a bottle of gin straight. By then I was so messed up I could not even say my own name.
             We hung out for a while, and then decided to come back to home. I could not walk straight, and my body was very weak. Searching for our friends, I fell down stairs, causing bruises, and scratches. I remember my friend was getting mad because I could not walk straight, or talk without stuttering. I collapsed, and became unconscious. I did not get up that time. My friend started yelling for someone to call 911. When the paramedics arrived, they rushed me to the hospital. My skin was pale, and cold. The doctors said there was a chance I'd die, or have brain damage.
             When I woke, I was in the hospital with tubes in my nose, and mouth, and a neck brace. I remember slowly opening my eyes and not knowing where I was. Everything was quiet and I could not move. I looked beside me; ...