This story is as close as possible to the version which appeared in print. The original articled was published the "The Hazelwood West Gazette" On May 29, 1998.
The end of an era is upon us. That's right, today marks the final day in our
13-year struggle through school. It is really hard for me to believe that I
grade school was that long ago!
It's also hard for me to believe that I don't want to leave school
It's true. Things that used to drive me nuts about
West now me me feel nostalgic. Things like the
70s-color-scheme-divider-partitions, the 70s-colored chairs in the Commons, and
the air conditioning system from hell really don't bother me that much anymore.
It's almost like they contribute to the "charm" of the school.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that my feelings toward the
school would change like this.
Maybe some of it has to do with my brother Justin joining me here. Maybe some of
it has to do with the many experiences I've had this year, like getting heavily
involved in the journalism program and being onstage in "Scapino!"
Maybe some it
is because of the teachers who meant a lot to me. There's not enough space for me to name them, sadly.
Whatever
it is, I'm a changed man. It reminds me of the end of the novel "1984," when
Winston has been totally broken by the Thought Police, and he
rejoices because he did it, he loved Big Brother.
Well, I did it. I love Hazelwood West. And, brainwashed or not, I'm proud of it.