I'm 17 years old and my school does an annual winter blood drive sponsored by the Red Cross. I am considering donating blood for the following reasons:
1. I've had my blood drawn about a hundred times (for my migraine doctor whom I've visited once a month since I was 13) so I'm pretty used to needles.
2. I know that a pint of blood can save someone's life... and I'd love to do that

But I'm really afraid! Is it different from getting your blood drawn? How?! How long do they leave the needle in? Does it hurt? What's it like?
The most descriptive answer you can give me would be great... I'm not squeamish and I really need to know the details before I sign up for the blood drive.

Thanks SO much-- serious/descriptive answers only please.

If your answer helps, you can know that you'll have influenced me into giving blood and therefore influenced the saving of someone's life