Unlike most high school students in town, I like Paola. I will miss Paola dearly. Next year, when I am off at college, I will come back to Paola whenever it’s convenient.
However, I have set some strict personal guidelines regarding my own hometown visits. I highly recommend my fellow seniors do this upon departing for college, too.
Rule one: do not – I repeat: do not – by any means, step in the doors of the high school during school hours.
I have done some serious pondering as to why college students come back to visit their high school and I honestly cannot find a logical reason.
Is it to chat with your former teachers?
OK, it may be lovely to have your freshman English teacher praise you for your college selection, congratulate you on your avoidance of the infamous “freshman 15,” or reminisce with you about the great high school days. Also, it may be lovely to intrude on basic high school classes to gloat about how challenging college is compared to high school and go on for hours about how hard your new life is.
But while you’re blabbing on and on about completely irrelevant topics, we people who have to attend high school are sitting by in awkward politeness. Deep down inside, we are all simply wondering why you are wasting your time here rather than with people who actually appreciate your presence.
Perhaps you could even be doing something worthwhile, like laundry, homework or just sleeping. You could even be spending time at the college you’re boasting about.
Is it to see your old classmates and/or friends?
If you really want to see them, make arrangements outside of school like normal people do. First of all, it is inconsiderate to barge in – oftentimes uninvited – to any place, let alone an educational facility. I hate to break it to you, but school is a place for learning, not for social outings.
Or is it to just show off that you are a big, bad freshman in college?
Congratulations – you made it out of high school. So, please, stay out. In one year, most of us seniors will (hopefully) be freshmen in college, just like you. We will all get our chance at living a college life, just like you.
I am sure you are just trying to help us out and forewarn us about postsecondary education. As generous and courteous as that is, I think we will all survive just fine without your unwanted interferences. If we have questions about college, we will ask you.
Rule two: do not be seen by myself anywhere in Paola when I come back.
As if it’s not humiliating enough to be back in your hometown when everyone assumes you should be at college, try adding on the fact that you are a total loner. No, thanks.
Rule three: only come back if it’s absolutely necessary or for a legitimate reason.
According to the College Parent Central Web site, research indicates that those students who are engaged and involved on campus not only do better academically, but also experience higher satisfaction with the college experience. Therefore, it is essential to stay at your university as much as possible.
Regardless of if my college town is lame or not, I will only return to Paola for a couple things.
I will visit family on my breaks. I might come back to watch a big football or basketball game. I may possibly make plans with old friends to meet in Paola, simply because we will all know how to get here and it could be fun to relive our finest high school memories.
But other than that, I am staying away. And I’d highly recommend the same for everybody else.