AVID or NO AVID

Well, James made his decision and has decided not to do the AVID program at Cyprus for the next 3 years. Mike and I have done a good job (?) not pressuring him about doing this program, even though 1. the benefits at the end of his senior year would be much greater than those students who are not in AVID, 2. he's already used to taking honors classes; he can handle the work and still have a 3.75 -or higher- GPA consistantly for the last 3 years; and 3. he's got a mom (and Dad) who will do whatever it takes to help and support him in school.
We talked about the huge pluses for this program. I got input and advise from teachers and friends, half said to tell him to go for it - he'd do great; the other half - said it's his decision. We've talked about it, we've told him to think about it carefully but no matter what we'd support his decision. When he said "no AVID", we said okay. (Though this being said, I did tell Cheryl that it was "killing me" (like how dramatic that was) that he has decided not to do it...) Anyway, what it all comes down to, is IT'S HIS DECISION. IT'S HIS LIFE, and I can only give him as much information as I can so that he can make his OWN decision. I am proud of him for making this decision even though I'm sure he knows what WE'D-okay maybe it's more I'd-rather him do-knowing the advantages to this, and even the peer pressure from the close friends that he has that are doing this program and that have been "bugging" him to do it with them. Even though I don't agree with his decision, I am proud of him for sticking to the decision that he has made and not letting anyone- me, his Dad, or his friends - influence him to change his mind. I'm glad we have raised, and continue to raise, a strong young man.