A current student at MHS started vaping at the age of 14, but she quickly realized that one puff can quickly change your life. 

“My mother always influenced me not to smoke because she wanted me to be different from the rest of my siblings and set an example for my younger siblings and not to follow the wrong path,” the student said.

The nicotine in one vape can equal up to 50 cigarettes. Over half of vapers have been reported to be experiencing symptoms of depression.

“It makes me sad to see how many students are getting kicked out for vaping. I just want students to know how harmful vaping can be to your body,” said Mrs. Angela Escobedo, dean for juniors and seniors. 

Nearly 1 in 5 (19.1%) high school students reported currently using e-cigarettes. Additionally, 3.3% of middle school students have been introduced to e-cigarettes.

“The rates from last year have increased two times as much as last year,” Mrs. Escobedo said. 

A student who is caught vaping with nicotine will be suspended three days for the first offense, five days for the second and will be sent to the alternative program for the third offense. However, a student who is caught smoking or in possession of marijuana or a vape containing THC will be suspended 10 days, pending expulsion.

Some students are starting to realize the negative effects of vaping as time goes on. 

“It was bad for my health and I started to fall behind on my work. My mom saw how bad my grades were dropping and it was upsetting her,” the MHS student said.

Researchers have found that vaping can result in serious effects and neurological injuries that could cause long-term problems.  According to the American Lung Association, e-cigarettes invite harmful and unknown chemicals into the body and bloodstream. These cancer-causing agents reach deep into the lungs, causing an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, while impacting the flow of blood to the heart.

“Vaping is very harmful to the lungs it can cause cancer, and respiratory problems. Stay away from it,” Mrs. Amanda Breitweiser, the school nurse, said.