By Tamara Johnson, Teen Reporter (and 2010 National Money Matters Ambassador), Pueblo of Pojoaque BGC, New Mexico

Attention all SMART Girls! Are you ready for a fun-filled summer? I know you are and I am too, but before you start to make plans, think of yourself and how you are going to stay safe.

Sometimes we think that we are invincible and nothing bad could ever happen to us, but that is not the reality. Things such as drug use, alcohol, and rates of sexual activity all go up during the summer. And it’s up to us to make the right decisions and take care of ourselves.

Remember, the consequences of a decision made hurriedly can impact you for a lifetime!

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and make sure that you’re never putting yourself in a bad position. Surround yourself with good friends that you can trust and go out and do fun things that you know will be safe.

Find Safe, SMART Activities!

There are plenty of things to keep you busy in the summer -- so why waste any time placing yourself in risky positions? Remember that you are your own person and you can control what you do with your life.

Hang out with your fiends! Go swimming! Check out the new movies or hang out at your Club!