Teachers go through many experiences with different students each year. One teacher voices their opinion on the matter of students’ behavior and responsibility. From that comment, three students responded.

As the school year begins, it is a fresh start for students to build relationships with their teachers. Based on the behavior and actions of many students, this teacher says, “Students: we are not kidding- do your work. Communicate with us. Don’t wait till the last minute, you need to accept your actions and responsibilities. Stop blaming others for your mishaps. Think about how you can be a good influence to others. It goes a long way. Remember that colleges/jobs are looking for that. Put down that darn technology. Try talking to people- face to face. Be respectful. Do nice things to others without asking for something back.”

With that comment, three students responded. While all of them agree on some parts of the statement, some disagree at other points. With different opinions, the three share their thoughts.

Nandini Rangan- Junior

Rangan agreed to most parts, while strongly disagreeing with the communication aspect. She explains her idea of students choosing to do some actions or activities based on their preference.

“If you want to be a genuine good influence, you shouldn’t have to think about how to go about being one. There was an instance when a kid tripped and dropped all of his books. Instantly, two or three kids jumped in to help him. They didn’t have to think, ‘Wouldn’t doing this make me a good influence?’’’ Rangan said, “People shouldn’t do things solely because colleges or jobs are looking for ir. There are so many clubs at this school that would look absolutely amazing on college applications but not everyone is choosing to be in those clubs. Why? Because it doesn’t interest them.”

Rangan suggests that the teacher was annoyed with their students who turn in mediocre work instead of what they were looking for. She explains further to relate to those students, as her workload became intense.

“The teacher was probably annoyed at his or her students because they were putting off doing work, not paying attention, or simply turning in subpar quality work. I noticed that many times during lunch, study hall, or before school that kids do the work they couldn’t the night before. It didn’t start really impacting me until I was in the same position,” Rangan said, “I worked on my homework from the minute I got home until nearly 12 AM. I still couldn’t finish, so I decided to do it the next morning. It’s situations like this that cause students to turn in less than expected at a lesser quality than expected.”

Nikko Gajowniczek- Freshman

Gajowniczek agreed with the statement by the teacher. He believes that learning to be responsible is something every student should understand to become a better person.

“[I think it’s something we should learn because] Taking responsibility and not being scared of the possible outcome being honest with yourself and others makes you a better person. I feel like we don’t emphasize that enough in school,” Gajowniczek said, “All we do when someone does something wrong is give them an arbitrary punishment like a detention. That doesn’t do anything to help fix the person’s issues. I think we should spend more time getting students active in getting help when they need it.”

He continues, explaining the positives of building relationships with teachers for a positive environment in the class.

“ I think it is helpful to know your teacher better so you can get along and so learning becomes more of a personal experience rather than a boring class. Just be nice and not rude and actually be interested.”  Gajowniczek said.

Holly Ryan- Sophomore

Ryan “wholeheartedly” agrees with the teacher’s statement, as she also has dealt with peers who are on their phones more than they are with their friends. She states that phones are also taking time away from studying,

“Kids are spending way too much time on social media and games and aren’t spending time in the moment and with people. I’ve had it where someone has gone on their phone in the middle of a conversation with me and it just baffled me how someone could be so rude,” Ryan said, “In relation to school, though, students will go on their phones and complain about needing to study rather than study. They’re setting themselves up for a tough time because most of what they’re doing is just going on their phones. They are more easily disengaging and procrastinating from the task at hand with phones than what used to be available.”

Ryan has now learned to stay away from her phone and avoid using social media, opting to spend more time with the people she cares about.  She accepts herself as the way she is and “lives in the moment”.

“I suppose in my freshman year, I was terrified of messing up or not blending in or being considered weird or lame or dumb. Honestly I’ve learned not to care about what others think, and if anything, I’ve learned part of who I am and I’ve come to terms with me and whether or not I fit in, at least I can stay true to me,” Ryan said, “I rarely go on social media anymore. I don’t take pictures that often. I think living in the moment and appreciating those around you is a value somewhat lost these days. I’d just like to say that no matter how many streaks you have, that connection will never come close to even one solid relationship in person. Love the real life you live and not the one that’s displayed on a screen.”