Teens Talk - Class Is Back In Session

The Grand Rapids Times
8-22-2008
Marcel Gamble

It’s time for school once again; some people are moving up to elementary, some are advancing on to middle school and a number of individuals are stepping foot in to the world of high school.

Students everywhere are preparing for a new year.

They are shopping for school supplies, school clothes, dorm furniture and getting ready for another school year. There is one item that I know numerous of people are forgetting to buy and that is a new swag.

Some individuals just don’t care. They treat education as if it is not important.

Well, any student starting in 9th grade since 2007, and don’t choose to care, better pick up a new swag those who don’t choose to care better pick up a new swag because now there are two ways to end your high school career, either by receiving a diploma or a certificate of completion.

Your swag is the decision-maker behind what your future will look like.

It’s amusing how a person is quick to put on a new swag when a new year comes around.

It’s amazing that an individual can put on a new swag when things begin to go downhill in his or her life.

I find it funny when one puts on a new swag to attract people that he or she has interest in.

Some of us put on a new swag for everything else besides our education.

How are we advancing on to higher grades when our attitudes remain the same? We begin the school year with the same goals that we already met or failed to meet in previous years.

If I had the goal of becoming a “B” student last year, then I should have the goal of becoming an “A” student this year.

It should not take a new hair cut or some new shoes for us to have a new swag about our education.

If I were on the honor roll twice last year, then I should be on the honor roll 4 times this year.

If the teachers knew my name by heart from my being the problem child, then this year they should know my name for my being the problem-solving child.

An outfit doesn’t create a new swag; it is up to each and everyone of us to create our own swags.

Things are changing for Grand Rapids Public Schools, and as my peers, you all need to be aware. Starting off this school year with a poor attitude as a student will not be a good idea because GRPS has a new swag.

As a student if you don’t know about work keys, then you better find out. Maybe work keys can have an effect on what kind of job you get in the future. Your ACT scores matter for going to work and to College.

I’m just saying that it’s time for some of you all to start acting like you all care.

If you are a student that has many excuses as to why your performance at school is horrible, then this year you will have a youth advocate specialist help you find answers.

As the youth of this city you all have to realize that things are changing; and if you are a person that is not willing to change, then you will be left behind.

Some students already have their new swag and it’s time for you to get one too.
I’m going to leave you all with this: It’s time to be wise and thankful that you are able to have the opportunity to get an education. Don’t let anyone stop you from reaching your dreams in life.