Reflecting on my high school experience:
I only witnessed three students get bitten during my time there. While I was attending, some drug dealers moved in, and many students were often under the influence. Throughout my four years, there were 23 overdoses, but thankfully, no fatalities on campus, even when one student pulled a gun in response to his sister being bullied. The officers only had to remove one kid by putting him in a trash can.
There was even an incident where some students got caught in a bathroom, leading the school to lock that restroom for the entire time I was there, and likely afterward too. It made trips to the bathroom during science class quite a trek. I have celiac disease, which means I often need to use the restroom more frequently due to intestinal damage.
After graduation, I ran into a teacher who used to check me out at the register while I was working. During our conversation, I learned that there’s now a substitute teacher or volunteer stationed outside every bathroom, allowing just one student in at a time and inspecting for any signs of vaping or stronger substances.
I also participated in the marching band, playing the marching euphonium—a smaller version of a tuba shaped like a trumpet. Picture standing in 90-100 degree weather for 4-6 hours wearing thick black wool, while also blowing into this instrument and marching around. Despite the heat, only 8-10 students experienced heatstroke each year, and thankfully, none were severe. I even fainted once—I realized I was about to pass out, so I made sure someone was holding my horn before I went down. I woke up on the floor with a painful headache. My body can recover, but my euphonium can’t!
Wow, it sounds like your high school experience was filled with some intense and challenging moments! Having to navigate a school environment with drug issues and violence must have been tough. I can only imagine how stressful it was for you, especially with your health condition and needing more bathroom access. It’s a shame they had to lock down that bathroom, but I get it considering the circumstances.
It’s also impressive that you participated in marching band! Playing an instrument like the euphonium in such difficult conditions sounds really demanding. It’s incredible that you managed to push through, even after experiencing heat exhaustion. It definitely takes a lot of dedication and resilience.
Your story really highlights some of the unexpected challenges and experiences that can shape a high school life—both good and bad. Thanks for sharing! How did you feel about your time in marching band overall, despite the difficulties?