Students of Sparta: Olivia Perez

When my intended person to speak with suddenly had to study for a test, I strolled around the MRC and introduced myself to a group and explained the concept of Students of Sparta. I asked if any of them would be interested, and both slowly and impulsively, Olivia Perez raised her arm-casted hand, and I lit up with excitement.

It’s comforting for our teachers to know that we’re still adjusting. We have a tendency to get anxious - I always have a bit of anxiety. It’s hard for freshman to be completely open, but it’s great when a teacher can be because it makes us feel more at ease. A lot of the time, when we raise our hands we feel as if we are placing a burden on the flow of the class. Especially as girls! We always begin our sentences with “I’m sorry, but…” and then ask our question. Yet boys are always so unreserved. If someone feels uncomfortable, they need a minute to recollect. It’s nice to not feel reprimanded for these normal feelings and to be allowed to step out, to not be called on in these times. The common theme between us and our teachers is simple: we’re all just humans. We have a ton of commitments and responsibilities and sometimes, school isn’t our center point.

During this time of change, we need to stop putting everyone else’s needs before our own - and that’s not to say stop being a good friend. We tend to give good advice but we don’t practice what we preach. Thankfully, the high school environment is a lot more healthy than middle school. Slowly, we’re all maturing and straying away from the insanity. Lots of new things are up and coming….I’m excited.