As a female surfer, star athlete and high school student, it’s safe to say that Ocean Minded Ambassador, Lulu Erkeneff has encountered her fair share of peer pressure. For Lulu however, giving into these societal pressures has never been an option; she has chosen to live her life with a “natural high” and strives to be a positive role model for those around her. This past summer, Lulu became an ambassador for Natural High, a nonprofit organization formed to encourage youth to find their “natural high” and reject drugs and alcohol. Joining fellow athletes with Natural High, Lulu visited local schools to help spread this message and here’s what she had to say.
By Lulu Erkeneff, Ocean Minded Brand Ambassador
Recently, I was invited to participate in the Natural High presentation for middle school students at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California. During this presentation, I helped promote the organization’s message for kids to say “yes” to a natural high, instead of just saying “no” to drugs. I was so excited to share my personal experiences with these students and to explain the importance of discovering one’s passions and pursuing them without the distraction of drugs… especially for students at an age that is so confusing when it comes to drugs. Knowing that I could help answer questions for these kids was great because I really needed a lot of clarification about certain topics when I was in middle school.
One of my natural high’s is surfing because I just love being in the water. I also love to protect the ocean and am always eager to share this aspect of my life with people. In order to really dedicate my life to surfing, school, environmental work, family, friends, etc, I feel that I need to be as focused as possible. Natural High is so great in this regard because they’re so positive about having goals and bettering oneself. Helping these kids find their natural high was a huge benefit from this opportunity, and it was really great to be able to share my story and what I have experienced.
I love to inspire people to love the ocean and being able to tell people why I enjoy surfing so much is my outlet. Before walking into that room at The Bishop’s School, I thought that if I inspired just a few of these kids to take a greater concern for the ocean, I would be proud. By the end of the presentation however, the kids were so stoked and I could tell that I helped spread a greater respect for the ocean and all it has to offer people.
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A Natural High with Lulu Erkeneff
Recently, I was invited to participate in the Natural High presentation for middle school students at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, California. During this presentation, I helped promote the organization’s message for kids to say “yes” to a natural high, instead of just saying “no” to drugs. I was so excited to share my personal experiences with these students and to explain the importance of discovering one’s passions and pursuing them without the distraction of drugs… especially for students at an age that is so confusing when it comes to drugs. Knowing that I could help answer questions for these kids was great because I really needed a lot of clarification about certain topics when I was in middle school.
I love to inspire people to love the ocean and being able to tell people why I enjoy surfing so much is my outlet. Before walking into that room at The Bishop’s School, I thought that if I inspired just a few of these kids to take a greater concern for the ocean, I would be proud. By the end of the presentation however, the kids were so stoked and I could tell that I helped spread a greater respect for the ocean and all it has to offer people.