A collaboration between Emmett Hamilton and Molly Pike
As our senior year of high school winds down, we have come to think of some things that could be helpful. We were in part inspired by Alex Buche’s 50 Theses, but we came up with some of our own, that we felt could be useful to a wider audience. While we agreed with some points, such as point 31 (“Stack the chairs after third lunch, Mr. Flanagan and Mrs. Queally will thank you”) and point 9 (“Find a way to reduce the prices of school trips”), we disagree on others, such as the fact that there is no language requirement at all at Oliver Ames high school, or that numbers go in order (1, 2, 3, 5? I thought seniors would be able to count). That being said: here are 50 theses for surviving Oliver Ames High school for everyone.
1.Go to the adjustment counselors, like Mrs. St Mary. They can help point you in the right direction.
2. Don’t feel like you always have to be on the defensive. If you don’t feel like sticking up for yourself on a given day, you don’t always have to. Your life isn’t up for argument.
3. That being said, don’t be completely passive. Know when it is important to advocate for yourself.
4. Find a hero.
5. With respect to students, trust your gut. If someone seems like they will cause trouble (for you personally or otherwise), your gut is probably right.
6. With respect to teachers, most of them are a lot more amenable in a one on one setting, or with a counselor present.
7. Find friends who will love and respect you no matter what.
8. Find friends with similar lived experiences, you will need support.
9. That being said, don’t create a bubble by surrounding yourself with only people who are the same as you. A good mix is important.
10. Sometimes, your rights will be brought up in a way that will dehumanize you. Teachers don’t mean any harm by it, but it will sting.
11. The second-floor gender-neutral bathroom is for everyone.
12. Having one gender-neutral bathroom still requires walking halfway to Europe to use it from some parts of the building. Maybe make more?
13. You should look for support, not drama.
14. Do not feel obligated to internalize the views of people who do not believe you have equal rights.
15. Remember that it will most likely get better once you graduate. Whether you go onto college, the military, trade schools, or straight into a job, you will have more control over those you surround yourself within a personal setting.
16. Sometimes you need to yell. Do it. (Not at anyone just yell)
17. The loudest people may not be the best informed.
18. Recognize the difference between disagreements and disrespect.
19. Language is not a requirement, but being able to carry a conversation in private while in public rocks.
20. Bring a sweater and wear an undershirt. We live in New England dress accordingly.
21.If you litter you are trash.
22. Support your class fundraisers!! Otherwise, prom will make you take out a second mortgage.
23. All controversy is manufactured.
24. Good Car Karma is real, don’t be a jerk in the parking lot.
25. We all have guilty pleasure music, don’t let it be guilty.
26. Make sure you do your best to understand class material, whether that is through asking and answering class questions, working with your friends, using online resources like Khan Academy, or meeting with your teacher outside of school. It doesn’t really matter how you get to understanding all that matters is that you understand.
27. Class participation counts! However, try to add something.
28. OA has taken the rainforest hostage, Join The Environmental Club.
29. The second floor has the best advice. And coffee.
30. Work hard, play hard. Be proud.
31. STACK YOUR CHAIRS!!! STAFF DOES SO MUCH ALREADY!!!
32. The school computers will always be slow, as will the school Chromebooks. Sometimes it helps to be one of the first ones to login.
33. Chromebooks work for school. They have the same resale value as a single-use styrofoam cups, but they connect to the internet.
34. Your guidance counselor is your ultimate resource and they are god tier individuals. Respect them. Cherish them.
35. Schuss’ class is an experience, embrace it if you get the chance.
36. Crucible Raps are the best thing to come out of OA students.
37. Gym is so much fun if you get to know the teachers and just try.
38. You are in high school, your mom is not here. And if she were she wouldn’t let you get away with whatever it is you do at lunch.
39. Use your better judgment. Integrity isn’t just some word adults like to throw around.
40. Teachers are people too, get to know some.
41. We all forget to turn in assignments, be honest, ask for forgiveness and be better next time.
42. You can take any class as long as you’re willing to work hard to make it happen.
43. Slang is fun. So spill tea to your queen, and just remember we are all low-key cringy in high school. At least we don’t have mullets to look back at!
44. Read. It doesn’t matter what. Just read. It can be the same comic book over and over. Just read.
45. Respect communal spaces.
46.Turning up your bass is fun, but only if you play an absolute banger of a song.
47. Common planning is themed around what you as a class struggle with, work with and for each other and the speakers will become more relevant.
48. Flanagan is the managan.
49.Football games are a lot of fun, even if you do not otherwise enjoy football. It is a great time for everyone in the school!
50. It is 4 years. Make it worth the time. It’s never too late to turn it all around.