After reading Kincaid's "Girl," we can easily spot the didactic tone in the speaker's voice. Obviously, the narrator is trying to impart knowledge on the reader and the girl to whom she is speaking.
Seniors, in your infinite wisdom, please impart some knowledge on our freshmen. In Kincaid's speaker's style, tone, and point-of-view, write a page of advice to the young people, the future of Episcopal High School. Type your advice in Word, and copy/paste your entries. Please leave your initials at the end of your post.
Due before Tuesday's, 2/7's, class for 2nd period and before Wednesday's, 2/8's, class for 7th period. Thank you.
Hear everyone out; don’t take advice from everyone; four years is not a long time; don’t wear the red polo on your first day, you’ll stick out like a rival; don’t think your blazer is enough to keep you warm; don’t blow your account money on Gatorade just to roll the darts that crowd the ceilings; don’t think your parents aren’t paying for this; don’t think someone doesn’t pay for everything; don’t crowd the library with your video games, your whining; don’t let your laptop come between you and anything; four years is no time at all; learn how to use silverware; learn how to put it away; respect the people who come behind you; don’t use the blue trays, making trips is good for you, the food will still be here tomorrow; don’t wait to talk, take a year to listen; don’t commit to things you know you’ll hate; don’t sit through them; seek out what you know you’ll love; don’t weight yourself down with books you’re not reading; take each chapel as it comes, don’t complain; don’t cut a senior on scone day; don’t cut a senior; don’t spend four years standing on top of your classmates; stop multiplying your class size by .1; don’t spend all your time trying to fit in that margin; four years will come and go; don’t be scared.
ReplyDeleteEO
Take each Chapel as it comes: I like that one.
DeleteDon't multiply your class size by .1 stands out to me because there are so many people in your grade you should get to know. You can make so many friends in high school, but sometimes you forget about people when you just focus on your best friends. Don't be scared is also obviously a classic line that everyone at ehs should follow. Nice job!
DeleteI like the one about not wearing a red polo your first day
DeleteGo into high school with a positive attitude. Don’t spread rumors and don’t start drama. What if I know its true and I am dying to tell my friends? Its not you’re place to say anything. Talk to new people and don’t just limit yourselves to those you knew coming from the same middle school. Don’t stop in the middle of the hallway because you are just getting in everyone’s way. Let seniors cut you in the break line and don’t complain; but what if I am incredibly hungry and have been waiting in line for a while? Stay out of their way. Do not scream when you talk; you cant be having that much fun, you’re at school. Make good grades because if not you will regret it. Take only classes you think you can handle. Academically high school does get harder, but socially it gets better. Don’t be immature. Be friendly to everyone because no one knows who you are. Don’t run to classes; it looks weird because you’re backpack is moving up and down. All girls, make sure you’re skirt isn’t stuck up in you’re backpack because it happens more than you think. If you wear shorts under your skirt, don’t wear them so they hang out below your skirt. Don’t base your decisions on what others will think about you because in the end it is not worth it because you will be off to college very soon. Don’t try to act super cool because its high school and it doesn’t matter. Lastly, live it up while you can.
ReplyDeleteFunny one about the backpack. So true. I hate bulky backpacks.
DeleteIt's funny how you tell the freshmen not to scream when they talk because it's school and they can't be having that much fun because it is so true, and all of them do it.
Deletei like your post brooke. its kind of funny.
DeleteBe positive it can be a helpful quality! Good idea Brooke!
DeleteI like the rhetorical questions in the beginning. And I love that you said not to try acting super cool because in high school it actually doesn't matter. So true!
DeleteJoin choir; once you learn your locker number, immediately put all your books in it; don’t bother with locker organizers, they just get in the way; Always remember your locker number, for you may have to get Randolph to cut it off, and then later that day in chapel he will speak about it to the whole school; don’t let the teachers intimidate you; do a sport; always do your homework; don’t act like you are something special; don’t ask your parents for an expensive first car, deal with what they get you; don’t skip chapel, no matter what religion you are, if any at all; don’t treat your computer like shit; enjoy your next four years; always have a pencil; always have blank paper; always write more than the requirement tells you to; don’t listen to dubstep music, jazzy funk is a perfect alternative; don’t talk bad about your teachers, you never know who may be listening; study for all tests and quizzes; bring your computer charger to school; don’t cheat, no matter how sneaky you think you may be; sing in chapel, it’s fun sometimes; wake up early; don’t sleep in class; go to bed as early as possible; what time is it? Time for you to get a watch, really, it’s beneficial; eat healthy at lunch; don’t get too sweaty during lunch basketball, because your next class will feel like hell, literally; don’t text on your phone much, only during lunch, break, and free period; if you want to take a certain class, get all the prerequisites out of the way quickly; go up to the fourth floor to see that there is no ghost for yourself; don’t steal from the bookstore, for it is very distasteful… oh, and illegal; don’t attempt to skip class; don't let anybody cut you in line; don't cut in line; always use 1 inch margins.
ReplyDeleteBSC out.
Jazzy funk is a great alternative and I like what you said about not getting too sweaty during lunch basketball although there is no way they will listen.
DeleteI like your advice to not get a big workout in at lunch, going to class sweaty is uncomfortable and not pleasant for the people around you
DeleteGet a watch: I like it. One of those little things that helps so much with keeping you in line.
DeleteI enjoyed a lot of these points, especially the one about how to handle ones computer. The 1-inch margin rule is one to live by, as is the singing in chapel. My favorite point, however, is the point about the ghost.
DeleteJ.H.
Never still from the bookstore is great advice. You should not take part in illegal activities
DeleteI agree with the lunch basketball bit. Maybe a game of 42 is understood, but giving up lunch basketball was a great decision i sadly did not make until the middle of my sophomore year. No one wants to be around your sweat.
Delete"don’t steal from the bookstore, for it is very distasteful… oh, and illegal" so true man, so true.
DeleteI really like how you said to sing in chapel because it's fun sometimes. It actually is kind of fun until you take yourself too seriously and your voice cracks or you sound really off key, but no one really cares, unless you're on a microphone. Seriously though it is fun you're right haha
DeleteI agree just bring your own charger! Thats why you got one in the first place.
DeleteDon't act like you are something special. I love that, because most freshman do think that they super special.
DeleteDon’t crowd Crum hallway; Don’t be loud and obnoxious; Girls make sure your skirt isn’t to short because you of all people will be hunted down for it; Tuck in your shirt or else Mr. Balch will find you; NEVER cut seniors in the break like, they take it very seriously; Don’t take seconds in the break line or Mr. Randolf will send you to honor council, its happened before; work the hardest this year because its your easiest year; don’t be awkward, just be nice and friendly; don’t worry about falling asleep in chapel, because everyone does it; don’t chew gum in front of Mr. Binder; Don’t draw all over your computer because you have it for the next four years; don’t eat to many break cookies because it does catch up to you; try to play sports, that’s when its not serious; don’t stop and talk in the middle of the hallway; don’t use the blue trays at lunch; go hay at the store because this is the year, it starts to get old after a while; have fun, be safe, and good luck, because you have four more years
ReplyDeleteLHW
I think its funny that you would tell a freshman to not eat the break cookies because it will catch up with them.
Delete"Don't draw all over your computer because you have it for the next four years"...
DeleteThis is funny because you have stickers all over yours.
Don't stop and talk in the middle of the hallway? Thank you.
Deletehaha love it! its hilarious and true!
DeleteDon’t wear a pink shirt on the first day because all your friends are too, you will look like a little Elle Woods gone wrong; Don’t carry a tray in the cafeteria; Why do we even have them in the first place? Watch where you’re walking so you don’t run into any seniors, or you will be having a bad day; Don’t hold your head up too high though, or you will look like you have a big ego for a freshman; Don’t spread rumors about everyone else, you’re a freshman, what gives you the right to do that? Don’t ever be mean; why would you want to be in the first place? If you fail a test go to your teacher instead of saying, “I’m SO stupid.” Don’t get your makeup ideas from Seventeen Magazine, you aren’t seventeen, and it’s all lies; Don’t try and be someone you’re not, you just waist time, and everyone will eventually figure out who you really are; Roll up your shirt instead of tucking it in, sometimes you look bad ass if you do, until Balch catches you; Don’t take a bunch of ichat pictures and make a whole album on facebook…. never mind you probably won’t be able to help yourself; Please try not to use smilies in texts seriously, if you need to use emojis, they’re acceptable; Do what you want to do not what all your friends want to do, you’ll make friends either way; Talk in class, even if you sound stupid, no one will bite; If you don’t listen to my advice you’ll probably be fine, but try to get to know some seniors, so you can take someone’s advice, if not mine.
ReplyDeleteElle Woods gone wrong. Love it. Seventeen magazine bit was awesome too.
DeleteOh yes do not take the tray. It just looks bad!
DeleteTalk is class. I like that because when people say nothing makes them sound dumber.
DeleteI like how you said don't try to be someone you are not. Just acting like yourself is the best way of making friends that will be with you for the next 4 years. Nobody likes a phony.
DeleteThe part about the makeup ideas from Seventeen Magazine makes me wonder if you ever had a bad experience with those ideas and that's why you are warning them against using those same ideas.
Deletehaha ichat pictures on fb
DeleteI like how you said don't be someone you are not and that its a waist of time.
DeleteAlways be yourself. That is very good advice that we all should follow
DeleteUnderstand that you are at the bottom of the totem pole. Don’t be nervous about the first day of school. Everyone is in the same boat. Be sure to put yourself out there and meet new people in your first period class. Meet new people in your second period class. Meet new people in your third period class. Meet new people in your fourth period class. Do not skip Chapel, it’s not worth being caught. Embrace the Chapel experience. Remember to go to break, this is where the cookies are, be sure to get in line. Meet new people during your lunch period. Be sure not to cut in line, but always let seniors cut in front of you. Meet new people during sixth period. Meet new people during seventh period. You can never have enough friends. During class it is important not to chew gum; during class don’t use your cell phone; don’t cheat off of your classmates, do your own work. When you are at home, don’t procrastinate on studying for your exams; don’t procrastinate on school projects, it is better to get them done and be prepared. Make sure to play some sort of sport, it makes the high school experience better. Finally, always have fun!
ReplyDeleteAG
Embrace the chapel experience, very true.
DeleteMeeting new people is the word. Good advice. You can never meet enough.
DeleteWalk in the hallways; don't leave your computer in your car; maintain your reputation; don’t let things get too out of hand; never feel completely overwhelmed; find true friends; go on Close-Up; take AP classes; challenge yourself; avoid upperclassmen; avoid underclassmen; school is for learning not for acting like a prostitute; do your homework; don't be a teacher's pet; take each class seriously; don’t write people off immediately; have confidence; don’t be annoying; try to be a good person; have fun; save senior year for the most to be had fun in high school; trust your friends; don’t be a push-over; be careful driving in the parking lot; never do anything you will regret in the future; live life excitingly; don’t turn down interesting opportunities; appreciate the time you have left with your family; be honest; don’t hide who you are; don’t be pushy; don’t bring things to school that should still be attached to animal; avoid getting a nickname from the upperclassmen, they are never good; do extra credit in all AP classes, whenever possible; get the ACT or SAT out of the way as soon as possible; actually study; don’t set your sights too high for college; don’t set you sights too low for college; appreciate the funny teachers; ignore the obnoxious teachers; avoid Mr. Randolph at all times because he will find a reason to give you a mark; don’t put "racy" pictures on Facebook; go to as many concerts are you want senior year; don’t settle for hanging out with people that you don’t actually like; walk with pride; broaden your horizons
ReplyDeleteLD
Be careful driving in the parking lot-amen. You never know when someone is going to come roaring around the corner...it's a good way to get run over. Actually study is also a really good piece of advice because we seem to forget that freshman and senior year.
DeleteWalk with pride. Best line.
DeleteGo on Close-Up is something I would tell the freshman too.
Deletedon’t bring things to school that should still be attached to animal
Deleteyou would
You are so right about Mr. Randolph. He tries to find ways to get people in trouble even if they are doing nothing wrong. If you are in trouble go to Mrs. T she will always help you out.
Deletebeing honest is always the best way to go. Never have to go to honor counsel
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVery good, solid advice. Good job.
DeleteBe outgoing. Talk to lots of people. Try out for a sports team. Do an activity you have never done before. Try new things. Give every thing a chance. Do something that scares you. Be nice to everyone. Build lasting relationships. Take classes you are excited about. Make the most of every opportunity. Go to games. Get to one random people. Create relationships with teachers. Your best friend your freshman year might not be your best friend your senior year. Don’t cut seniors in the break line. The blue trays are there for decoration. The hot lunch line is worth it. You don’t need five cookies. You don’t need to get something from the book store every day. Take care of your computer. Stay organized. Do the homework. Don’t have a photo booth album unless you want to look like a 281er. Same goes for self pics. Become friends with the nurse, she is a life-saver. Don’t spend all your free time playing computer games or on Facebook. Don’t worry what others think they are just as nervous as you. Try to do well in classes it makes applying to colleges better. Take an AP. Have a free period your senior year. Take an art class. Become yourself.
ReplyDeleteCCP
Very true about the trays being decoration - but I disagree with the 5 cookie limit...
DeleteDo the homework. Absolutely. Become yourself: I like it.
DeleteIt is very important to not look like a 281er at school even if you are a 281er at heart...I like it!
DeleteBring and extra pair of underwear to school (wedgies); always make sure the locker room is stocked on towels and if they are not just bring a towel (swirlies); don't rush to the school store after school, you are just throwing away money that you think doesn't actually exist (it does); don't throw up at school; don't carry a tray (duh); flirt with a lot girls (it doesn't matter if they are older); don't do drugs. Have as many free periods as possible; get good at art so it can be a way for you to apply to Texas and not have to freak out about making a fair share of B's. Suck up to Sheila. Don't think you are too cool for chapel or praying in chapel. Bring an ipod touch to school and when a teacher thinks you are on your phone whip it out and say that it was just your ipad. Go to Kongregate.com it is the last game site available. Find a good break spot. Don't forget to put on deodorant in the morning. Spend time in the bible more that busy school work. Watch TV at night for fun. Drink a lot of water. Become friends with Miss Karen and Miss Darlene (lunch ladies). Be funny. If you are not good at football, do not worry you don't have to play.
ReplyDeleteJSF
I enjoyed scotty's piece very much. He has lots of useful information for the freshmen.
DeleteI like the point about the I-pod/phone switch, practical and funny.
DeleteAwesome work Scotty!! I agree with the advice that you should not carry the tray, this makes you look as if you are a regular at Luby's.
DeleteKMs
I like the comment on the break spot scotty it's one of the most amazing things we've done for four years. How have we not moved? Even if its in the 30s lolz.....
DeleteLet me tell you. Back in the day, wedgies were not the thing to worry about. Swirlies were the bull's horns. Great advice Scotty.
DeleteSucking up to Sheila is great advice. Everyone wants to be friends with her, and if you actually are it doesn't always matter if you're late. Plus finding a good break spot because once you claim it no one will take it from you or else.
DeleteAlways shower after weights class, no one likes to smell that. Become friends with the school nurse, Mrs. Kavanagh will save you from illness and quizzes you forgot about. Try new things, you never know what you might find an interest in. Participate in the EHS community, it will open you up to many new relationships. Don't take speech class as a freshman, unless you like being the only underclassman speaking in front of twenty seniors. Don't stare at the floor when you walk down the hall, its not that interesting. Do your best not to join the wrestling team, it may seem fun but its not worth wearing a singlet (you look hilarious). Please do your homework, that way your not working your ass off to raise your GPA as a junior. Become familiar with the brand names The North Face and Patagonia, these will be important in the future. Don't let yourself get distracted on your computer, it will screw you over in the long run. Join FCA, its a great program and donuts are delicious as well. Don't listen to Adam about chewing gum in class, it is a great way to keep fresh breath and teachers never notice anyways. Get at least eight hours of sleep and never do your sleeping in history class. Become friends with Drew Galtney, he likes to take the high road at basketball games and is a good role model for all freshman. Most importantly, stay hungry every day daily.
ReplyDeleteYes make sure you get 8 hours of rest. You will feel refreshed.
DeleteDon't stare at the floor when you walk down the hall; it is not that interesting: yes sir.
DeleteJohn's advice about Drew is very true. Drew is a great guy who always looks toward taking the high road in life
DeleteKevin brings great advice for freshmen throughout his entire paragraph. Befriending specific individuals around the school is definitely important
DeleteAppreciate the time you have left with your family is so true, especially as a senior. I wish I had thought done that more starting freshmen year and not just in recent months.
DeleteGood job keeping it real but some of your focus is directed towards superficial matters.
DeleteI agree getting to know Drew is helpful in many ways he's always taking the high road
DeleteThink of this year as a clean slate, you don’t often get this kind of an opportunity to reinvent yourself;
ReplyDeleteDon’t be shy and expect to make new friends, show confidence;
Avoid clinging to the one or two people you already know and branch out;
Never judge anyone, you might find your best friends in unlikely places;
Always try your hardest, thinking you can pull your grades up next semester is a fantasy;
Make sure your computer volume is always turned down low to avoid causing an embarrassing class interruption;
Keep your shirt tucked in to keep off of Randolph’s radar;
Procrastination is one of the surest ways to destroy your grade point average;
If there is an extra credit assignment, do it – you never know when you might need the extra points later on;
Get some sleep, sitting through founder’s day chapel on three hours of sleep is absolutely awful;
Find something to do, you’ll get to know more people much more easily if you have something in common;
Do what Mr. Scales tells you to, or else expect things to be more difficult than necessary;
Go to tutorials instead of waiting the day before the test thinking you can wing it;
Don’t be afraid to talk to the upperclassmen, that being said, do not be a cocky prick and make enemies your first year;
Keep your phone out of view during school unless you want Mr. Binder to snatch it like a bald eagle swooping down to grab an unsuspecting desert rat;
Get you prerequisites and P.E. credits out of the way early so you can have a more relaxed junior and senior year;
Get out of your comfort zone; you’ll probably find something you really like;
Don’t be scared
JC
Yes I like how he said its a clean slate to start over. Most Freshmen don't realize how true this is.
DeleteSo true about doing what Mr Scales says, it makes life in high school so much easier.
DeleteI enjoyed the simile for Mr. Binder of course the ending of Don't Be Scared.
DeleteNice advice about the computer volume, that one has gotten me a few times.
DeleteThe Binder similes is actually really accurate. He would probably take it as a compliment.
DeleteAppropriate guidelines to lead a young student towards a more effective lifestyle. Real words, the practicality of your advise grants it value. Beyond erroneous school rules, its important that you mentioned discovering an identity. Most cats struggle doing this their whole life.
DeleteSo true about Founder's Day Chapel: that one is a tough one.
DeleteFreshmen always in the way. Never able to get it just right. Wanting to ask so many questions but afraid of embarrassment. Its okay we all have been there. Running to your next class so you wont be 10 seconds late. Teachers who hate freshmen just because you are confused. They only are only kidding and will come to love you by sophomore year. Many of you take the blue trays but then realize that you should not take that tray unless you are in your thirties or later. Forgetting your locker combination or your gym clothes. Receiving a stern scolding. Trying out for the spring play or a new sport. Everyone is cheering for you one way or another. They do not want to see you fail just mess up a little bit. OH NO its formal dress day and I have no clothes. What to do? Calling mom on her way home or work. How could you forget this they all say. There are probably more seniors who forgot why do I get the second degree. Its okay she brought you the clothes so you are safe. Just keep on going though the day a few laughs here and there. And here comes sophmore cotillion. Why can’t I you go to this because you are a Freshmen and you do not need to do that stuff yet. Wait your time it will come. One day a night, limo, and friends will be waiting for you with glee. So do not prude around as if your life will end. No one is out to get you yet. You are not going to do anything to an upperclassmen besides maybe if you are lucky take their spot in up coming game. Run if this happens they might be upset. Just know your place if this happens. You may be on the field, but you are still a freshmen getting the gear after practice. Take class seriously do your homework because Sophomore year Chemistry will kill you so make sure to get your work done. Freshmen! Freshmen! Freshmen! Ringing through the halls. You will make it to the next year just keep pushing. Day after day it keeps moving. So roll with the tide and go with the flow. Best of luck FRESHMEN!
ReplyDeleteKT
I like this because it sounds more like a rap than a story. It is interesting. I like how you mention forgetting about formal dress day because we have all done it one time or another.
DeleteThe best one is about not having your formal uniform on formal days, that's the worst.
DeleteRoll with the tide and go with the flow: I like it.
DeleteThey do not want to see you fail just mess up a little bit.
Deletehaha funny
Don’t come to school with coffee; never eat breakfast in the cafeteria; be as nice as you can to everyone; make sure that after school, you never go straight home and are always doing come extra curricular; make good grades freshman year; always increase the size of your periods when writing papers; spark notes has an analysis section, as well as a summary page; don’t sit on your computer during the first week; make friends one year above you; run cross country to stay in shape; never remain conscious in chapel, but never condemn something that you don’t believe in; take all the hardest classes that you possibly can; anything less than an A in a semester course in not acceptable; scones are a priority for everyone at the school, except their powdered sugar gets everywhere; go to every football game; disregard the choices program; make friends with the lunch line staff, they will occasionally hook you up with more fried chicken or chicken fried steak; no matter what you have heard about a teacher before you take their class, always give them a chance; start your homework as soon as you get home, no one likes that guy who complains daily about he did not fall asleep until 3am; it’s ok to be scared; and finally, when you write creative English assignments, never use a period.
ReplyDeleteWow, super job! That was very good. I really like the one about increasing the size of the periods on papers.
DeleteDon't come to school with coffee. Haha i love it!
DeleteI'm glad you put the bit in there about not sitting on your computer the first week because sitting on your computer is a very bad idea, you don't want to break it!
DeleteI like your comment about the choices program, it must be disregarded.
DeleteJoin choir. I like it
DeleteWhat's the deal with scones? They're good, but jeez. Good stuff. Do not disregard CHOICES.
DeleteGet on the lunch ladies good side, they are the ones who feed you. Also, befriend Nurse Kavanagh she will be the one taking care of you when you are sick. Don't eat the burgers everyday at lunch, this will come back to hurt you. At football games do not have social hour on the practice field, this is what middle schoolers do. Don't overpack your backpack, it looks as if you are about to tip over. Don't be that guy. Get along with your teachers, it is important to make good grades freshman, the easiest year of highschool. Try new things, be open minded to joining new clubs and sports. Through clubs and sports you can meet new friends. Do your homework. Do not get on Randolph's bad side, this will come to haunt you for the next 4 years of your life. Hope that you get Mr. Cook as a teacher, he is awesome.
ReplyDeleteKevin I like your opening line. It makes me think that we should not bite the hand that feeds us.
DeleteI liked Kevin's advice. My favorite was his information regarding the football games
DeleteI really like the part where Kevin says "Don't be that guy" because it is really important to not be "that guy".
DeleteKevin, your advice was very helpful. I can definitely relate to some of these, mainly the part where you shouldn't eat burgers everyday at lunch.
DeleteI disagree with your comment about doing homework, we are not St. Johns.
DeleteDon't be that guy. You are so cool. Wait...
DeleteQuite a funny piece - nice little suck up at the end too.
DeleteToo cute
DeleteFreshmen, take control of your schedules. Do not let high school eat you alive. Listen to your teachers. Listen to upper class men. Do not be afraid to try something new. Find what you like to do and work hard at it. Do not clog up the hallways. Be a crum crazy. Root on the sports teams and do not socialize in the back. Eat from the hot lunch line because Ms Darlene is the best. Do not be afraid of mama and always be ready. Work hard as a freshman because you have your easy classes now. Don't do the wrong things or rumors will fly. Control your life. Do not do drugs. You will be drug tested so be smart and the druggie you think you are.
ReplyDeleteCL
I like your advice because it is given in an assertive manner, telling them to take control and go out and do something new.
DeleteRoot on the sports teams and do not socialize in the back. I agree with these words of advice.
DeleteKMS
Connor, I enjoyed reading yours. Specifically, the part where you should be ready when it's your time to get break. Like James said, I like the assertiveness.
DeleteI like that one of your last pieces of advice is "control your life." That sums up a lot of the advice I would give to freshmen.
DeleteGood points about the break, but I enjoyed the Crum Crazy advice the most.
DeleteBe a Crum crazy: absolutely.
DeleteI agree with the others, your very assertive in this piece. I especially like the part about not clogging up the hallways, this can be a big inconvenience.
Delete