Wasted Wednesday

As I have mentioned before, these half days are truly ridiculous. 5 hrs. sitting, watching the clock and waiting for the bell to ring. I began staying home on half days sometime in September and accomplished much more then if I had gone to school. Today was another half day and I decided to go since we only have 2 days left before Christmas break. Big mistake! (It's crazy to think we need a half day two days before a major school break.) Teachers say hello as you enter the class then say the class time is to short for a lesson and retreat to their computers. Students chat, text, sleep, watch the clock or doodle. Basically, we waste time. I did receive some enjoyment today by seeing the shock on peoples faces when I showed up on a half day. I didn't know anyone noticed my absence on these days. It's nice to know I'm missed...but that's High School.

Fighting Cats and Dogs

While walking through the hall to my next class, the traffic of people was unusually backed-up. This can only mean one thing - FIGHT! Students run out of their classes and gather to watch the show. Walkways are blocked until an AP arrives and yells "Get out of the way!" I hear others shout "Fight, Fight!" Students shove for a front row seat and the crowd is so loud the only thing I can hear is the rooting for a favorite opponent. I stay safely back and speculate as to what made the fight occur or if it's a fight between two girls or two boys. Once it was a boy and a girl. Can't we get along and get to class?...but that's High School.

Ouch! Acceptance Hurts

It was raining and cold when I got off the bus to walk home. Without the cover of an umbrella I ran home in a rush and tripped in the street. (I seem to be tripping a lot lately, the stairs and now in the street) I scraped the other knee, my arm and hip. I was soaking wet and in pain. As always, every day, I check the mailbox for the acceptance letter from my chosen college. I hobbled into the house and stared at it. I was anxious to open it, but also apprehensive. What will I do if it's a rejection letter? What will I do if it's an acceptance letter? I decided to wait until my family was home to open it. Perhaps they would know what to do about what may be inside. Ok, so I opened it with my eye's closed, took a deep breath and squinted as I read "Dear Ashli: I am pleased to inform you that the Admissions Committee has approved your application of admission to [College] ...I am delighted that you have chosen our College to continue your education, and we look forward to having you as a member of our student body." I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO MY TOP CHOICE COLLEGE!!! Need I say more...that's High School.

Truth or Dare?

It was an abnormal day in English class, very structured and quiet. Our teacher said things like "remember what I told you?" "In this chapter we will be..." "It says in this lesson..." She asked us to open our work books to page 43. We have not used our work books since August, so naturally no one brought the book to class. We were reprimanded by our teacher for not being prepared and told to bring our books to class every day. Then we began to do book work, which totally through us for a loop. During the last 5 minutes of class an AP, which was in our class, left. Apparently he had been writing notes and grading our teacher because when he left the room our teacher stood up and said "As you can see, I was being evaluated. Thank you for baring with me over this boring lesson. We'll begin working on yesterday's work tomorrow". Our English teacher is a great teacher and should be commended for her out-of-the-box teaching methods instead of fitting into the box for the "Evaluation Lie" which requires teaching from poorly written school books...but that's High School.

Drugs Give Me Such A Headache

My pot-head classmate was leaning over my desk to watch as I explained a math problem. BANG! I blacked out briefly and have a massive headache with a bruise forming on my head. I've heard when people are high they only use 30% of their brains. My classmate swung his head right into the front of mine. He then said "Whoa, what happened? I didn't mean to do that. I'm so sorry. I swear I'm not a woman hater or nothin'. What do you want? You want some money. You want a hug, an ice pack. What can I do?" After the quick rant of apologies, I burst out laughing and said "You could stop doing drugs!" He defended his position and in the end agreed to let me blog it...but High School.

Darn Stairs!

During my four years of high school I have broken both my legs and bruised and cut many parts of my body bumping into things. I walk up and down three flights of stairs many times during the day and I have never tripped, until today. I woke up early, in a great mood and decided to take the extra time to wear my purple dress. Big mistake! I was running late for my seventh period class and ran a little to fast up the stairs, tripped and cut my knees. I quickly looked to make sure no one saw me. So embarrassing. Thank goodness no one saw me (I hope) Tomorrow I think I'll sleep in and wear jeans...but that's High School.

Waiting On My Future

I finally got through the high school maze of college apps and sent my college applications out a month ago so I could meet the Dec. 1 early enrollment deadline. Now, waiting, waiting, waiting. Every day I check the mail. Nothing, nothing, nothing. It's really hard to wait on the decisions of my future. My mom sings a crazy song about anticipation and what's worse is I understand it. There is a message on my phone which tells me our high school will be holding a college application process answer and questions session next Thursday evening. A little late, don't you think...but that's High School.

Counselors & Colleges

Can high school counselors help guide you to a college of your choice? For the last 5 months, I've been meeting with teachers and guidance counselors to go over college options. There are always two colleges they direct all students to and when I ask about different colleges they stare at me like a deer in headlights. After an awkward silence they begin talking about the two colleges just like before. Is there a promotional deal in this for the school? Are counselors only trained in enrollment procedures for these two colleges? Over the intercom this morning, these two colleges were promoted again to all students interested in continuing their education. There is a wide world of college choices out there, don't settle for a choice of two. If you wish to go anywhere other than the recommended verbiage at our school, you'll have to do your own research. I promise you it's worth the time to do it yourself. Motivation: Think of the only two alternatives offered by our school...but that's High School.