F.R.'s Mock Election

   As many of you have probably seen, Franklin is putting on a mock election for the Senior class. This is part of their government/economics class and allows them the chance to be part of an election. This is also very exciting for students, as many of them can vote for the first time this year. The national election this year will be a major one, as this decides how our country will go about handling issues such as education, healthcare, and the economy.

   The students sign up as candidates, if they choose to be one. Or they have the option of being part of the campaign staff or representing a state. Then on the election day, which is November 6th there are debates, speeches, questions, etc. This is filmed on the Murrysville channel and can be watched. There is a lot of work that is put forth by the students.

   As many of you have noticed, there are poster, fliers, and signs for the candidates all throughout the school. The students have really been enthusiastic when it comes to advertising. It will even come to tearing the other campaign down in the hopes of getting votes. I think this allows the students to pretend that they are really in a political campaign.

   The day of the election will allow the Senior class to be excused from classes and participate in the day's activities. This assignment in general is a fun experience for students to learn more about politics.

College Applications

   So as many Seniors begin or already have started the daunting task of applying to colleges, I can't help but get more and more nervous as the weeks pass. I am terrified that I'm going to be one of the many, who's not good enough to be accepted to the ivy covered institution. 

   A few of my friends have already been accepted to their top choice schools. Which is amazing for them. And I am proud. It's just scary to think that as all these people get great news. You are scared you'll be left behind. And this is just because according to an office you aren't "good enough". You might not have the perfect SAT scores or do enough extra-circulars. I myself am starting the process. But there is so much you need to do. The applications, letters of recommendation, resumes, interviews, etc. that are needed for every school. And then you have to worry about how you'll pay for it. I'm trying to apply to as many scholarships as possible. But that will never be enough, no matter what. And on top of that, you still have schoolwork which needs to be completed so you can go to college. This all makes me just wish we had more hours in the day. But this soon, very soon we will all be walking across the aisle to get the diploma. And we will be able to go off to wherever we want. We'll be adults, who are free. 

   What schools have you applied/been accepted to? I would love to know. That is a major accomplishment, and you should be proud. Also tell me what major you plan on declaring. Your future awaits you.

Homecoming at F.R.

   As many know homecoming weekend has passed at Franklin. And I think that our school and student body need to address certain issues that happen before, during, and after the event.

   I believe in general there is WAY too much pressure put on people for this. It's only a dance. It's not even prom. So I don't understand why so many people put pressure on themselves and others when it comes to finding a date, dress, or planning the extra events that go along with it. For example, why is it that students now have made it impossible for someone to ask their date without flowers, candy, etc. Boys from our school all try to top each other. Plus if your in a relationship you have to outdo yourself from the year before. It is unnecessary and sometimes expensive. Another thing on the topic of asking, why don't girls from our school ask boys instead. Why can't we do it both ways. We live in a modern era, where girls shouldn't have to wait, but be proactive.

  Another topic to discuss is the expenses. Boys complain that they have to pay for the tickets, meal, and anything else. But what they don't realize is that girls will cash out hundreds of dollars on a dress, hair, nails, shoes, and makeup. But why do they spend so much money? I knew a girl who almost spent $300 on a dress. But I have no idea why. You usually only wear it once and then it sits in your closet. While I do realize guys have to spend a lot on their date, they have the luxury of being able to wear their suit more than once.I think both parties are expected to do a lot for the night and that shouldn't happen. People need to cut expenses where they're aren't needed. A way to do this is having a nice dinner at home. My friends did that this year, and I think it's a great idea. You don't have to deal with crowded restaurants, traffic, reservations, plus it's cheaper. And you can make it a very fun experience.

   When it comes to the dance itself, our generation has made it rated Mature. It's not a dance, more a grind fest. And if you are not comfortable doing that you face the peer pressure. What I don't understand is that it's not even fun to do. You don't really get to enjoy yourself and talk to your date. It just is a stupid way to spend the dance. Another thing that should really be monitored by the school is the drinking. After discussing the dance with friends, I got a lot of different stories of what happened. And they all had the alcohol in common. Someone even got arrested at the dance for being under the influence. He was escorted out in an ambulance and had alcohol poisoning. Why is our school not monitoring this? I realize that is was mostly upperclassmen, but how is that setting a good example for the younger students? They think it's alright behavior and they'll copy. So why are we allowing this? The administration shouldn't be allowing this, and should take more steps to prevent it. It's not even fun. You look stupid and disoriented when you do it. Plus it's illegal, why chance that at a school event? 

   And finally, the after party. Now normally my friends and I have a fun evening without any drinking, drugs, or anything else that would be inappropriate. People think that sounds boring and no fun. But we are able to make it a good time.But I know for a fact that other parties going on we not so "clean". Again going back to the drinking, I don't see why people do this. You wake up hangover and confused. The family that hosts the party can get arrested/fined. Why would you go through all that just to drink?

   I just think in general our school really needs to clean up when it comes to homecoming. It should be a fun night. Not something that you will end up regretting later because of your actions.

The Reality of the Situation

    This week Franklin Regional was lucky to be chosen to be featured on Root Sports along with Knoch. The game this year was even more anticipated due to the fact that this game last year kept us from playing at Heinz Field and continuing in the playoffs. It was going to be an exciting night where everyone was hoping to be able to redeem themselves.

   It was going to be a great night, until it was announced that the game was going to be on a Thursday night. People really didn't say anything until the week of the game when they realized what that meant. The football team, cheerleaders, and band had to attend the game and drive back, and then be expected to be at school the next day. I am in the band, and this was not how I wanted to spend my evening. I was excited for the game, I was just upset that there were so many tings I had to change for football. Having to take off work, I lost a lot of money, which is needed for senior year especially. 

   During the game, everything was fun and good. It wasn't until after that we found out that Root Sports hadn't even covered the halftime show. This was a major disappointment to the students and parents. My mom was upset that she stayed up just to see us and was skipped over. This is similar to many other families. To make matters worse we got back from the school after 11 p.m. I think this was unfair to the students. I believe that the school should have allowed the students to come late to school. This was difficult for students to be able to come to school at 7 in the morning. I personally had to stay up later and finish homework. I just feel that there should have been some leeway for the students.

If I was...

If I was a teacher, I would be fair. 

I wouldn't get angry or scare. 

I would ask questions to get them to learn. 

In hope that they would try in return.

I would want them to gain something. 

More than just grades. 

Something substantial that would never fade. 

A new perspective on life. 

And all that would bring. 

Or an idea to the mind that would help them see. 

Knowledge never leaves you, no matter how hard you try to forget. 

That's why you'll remember a random math set.

Or a poem, by Thoreau that you could never quite get.

That's why teachers are important

They make you who you are.

And you'll never really know it.

Until you've moved on with the world.

If I was a teacher, I would be there.

Hoping that someday, I'd make a difference somewhere.

Is it too much?

   Taking a look at other blogs today I realized that there is too much music! Now I never thought I would say that, because music is one of the most important things in my life. However, after looking at other students I got bored reading about record sales, the artists album, etc. When I listen to music I just listen to the song, that's it. And I think you can tell based off my posts, I don't like talking about all that detail. Just enjoy the song and tell me what you think. So I will post songs up there. But those won't be my posts. They will just be there to entertain you! I have received comments that they like the diverse music selections and I will continue that. But I think now I'm just going to post about my life. If there is anything you would like for me to talk about I will. It's just there is TOO much music. Just enjoy it.

Goodbye Summer

  I didn't realize it until this weekend. Summer has officially ended. And I am really sad to see it go. Right now it's just too cold to enjoy fall. I love fall personally, my birthday is in fall. But I will miss that weather. Now it's official school is in session and the responsibilities have set in. I forgot what it was like to juggle a school and work schedule along with band. Plus being a senior you have all this extra stuff. Things like senior pictures, college, senior week, senior night, and all these other events to take care of. Now that we are the oldest we have to act like it. But I have no idea what to do. I am just making it up as I go along. Underclassmen expect us to have the answers, and I just keep looking for the graduates to ask them questions.I never knew what it meant for us to really be the role models. So as summer ends and we say goodbye I also say good luck to the class of 2013 in them leading the school this year.