When I began high school, I possessed the same ideas that many have: that popularity and acceptance are crucial and that they would either make or break me.

However, over the years, I have found that being a Catholic teenager forces me to make different choices than the average teen. I must live my life in a way that balances my social and spiritual life.

One example is swearing. Though my peers may be doing it, I find good reason not to — my conscience. I believe as a Catholic youth, using my conscience gives me the ability to distinguish right from wrong, easily, without being told.

By making morally correct decisions, we express our spirituality in a way that sees us not conforming to typical high school norms.

And by using reasoning and intellect to decipher whether the decisions we make go against the Ten Commandments and Catholic teachings, we can make the right choice and grow not only intellectually, but spiritually.

Many may see high school as a detrimental place for our teenagers. There are plenty of negative influences where students who are otherwise good people fall into the world of drugs and violence. I have witnessed such accounts and it’s sad to see. These instances have changed me for the better and have given me the opportunity to be more conscientious when dealing with peers.

But I have developed ways to deal with these situations that fellow Catholics can use.

Besides using our conscience, we must also choose our friends wisely. Still, don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons and be open to everyone, no matter how strongly opinionated they may be. You don’t have to share the same ideals as the person, but you can acknowledge and respect them for who they are.

For your close friends, treat them as you would a brother or sister. Help them when they need it and guide them on how to lead a morally correct life.

Learn how to manage your prayer and school life. Go to Mass regularly, get involved with your parish’s youth group and you’re sure to meet fellow Catholics who will inspire you in many ways. By balancing your daily life, you will make time for prayer as well as friends instead of choosing one over the other.

Most importantly, never be ashamed of your faith or for being who you are. As Catholic youth, we shouldn’t be doing what everyone else is doing when we know it’s wrong.

Though you may be ridiculed by your friends, that is no reason to feel ashamed for doing what is morally correct.

Can I be Catholic and still be cool? You bet I can.

(Coelho, 17, is a Grade 12 student at Brebeuf College in Toronto.)