“It’s so weird VIP thinks they’re too cool to do this. You’re not fun!” In a society of conformity and uniformity, anything but the standard is frowned upon. Whether it’s the same Nike Air Max 270s from every corner of the room or the same pair of Lululemon leggings everyone wears, everyone basically dresses the same way. Even on school Dress Up Days and pep rallies students choose not to participate because doing so is tied to being childish or cringe. However, it’s not about outfits and screaming—it’s about being afraid to be yourself. In our bleak lives, everything we do is controlled and calculated for the sake of our image. Behind the facade of your calculated image is the true self you undermine.
Undeniably, students take fun participatory activities for granted. From over-the-top cowboy attires to wacky Grinch pjs, dress up days aspire a whole new level of crazy to spice up the mundane school days. Not only do these quirky outfits make school days more fun, but do they also reinforce school spirit within the community. Beyond the glitz and glam, school pride also comes into play. The true spirit of school pride: roaring for the school’s football team for winning the homecoming game, cheering and participating in pep rallies, buying Hawks merchandise, and showing up to support schoolmates. Cheering and participating doesn’t make you look uncool or childish. Letting loose and being silly from time to time allows your presence to radiate rays of positivity; that side of vulnerability makes you a desirable person to be around. By actively participating in your community, you help create stronger bonds and lasting memories to look back to later on.
The fact of the matter: high school only lasts for 4 years. As daunting as it may seem, these four years are fleeting. One moment you find yourself in the theater for freshmen orientation, the next, graduation: from freshmen picture day to senior photoshoots. The unproductive Science classes, group homework cramming, lunch time meals and gossips, the chill teachers, and boresome first periods are all passing recollections in the end. You won’t always be in Horace High School laughing with your friends at lunch.
These four years serve as the bridge between the bittersweet childhood and the foreboding new beginning. Before we traverse into the next chapter of our lives, make the most out of high school, for this time is only now. You only live once, make the most out of it. Go wear the most exotic outfit you own, cheer until your voice cracks in those silly pep rallies, and don’t be afraid to be yourself. You’re not too cool to have fun—be fun and try! Cherish the gift of the present, your youth.
