Rant & Rave
Rant & Rave
MY life, thus far, has pretty much been fairy tale material -- the only child, private school education, annual ski trips with my family, extended summer vacations, my own room, my own lap-top computer, etc., etc. But don't think I take any of this for granted, or that I am not grateful each morning I awake! Young, female
and glad of itOn the contrary, I realize that many don't have the opportunities I have. Let's take my private school education: I attend a small, all-girl high school, where I don't have to worry about what I look like in the morning or concern myself with what to wear everyday (did I mention that we have uniforms?)
When I get to school, people holler "good morning" or "how are you?" They go out of their way to recognize my arrival. I do the same. It's a ritual, but a genuine one that comes from the heart.
My school has a family-like atmosphere where girls are nurtured, and we're encouraged to treat one another as "sisters." There's no competing for boys or showing off for attention. Unconsciously, we've learned that boys are "desserts," something that follows the "entree" -- which is the first and foremost rule: "Girls First."
Oh, but please don't misunderstand our "Girls First" rule. We're not self-centered or spoiled! Oh, no! That would be unbecoming.
There aren't any stars among us. We're all "practically perfect in every way!" (a stolen phrase, but one that applies to divine damsels, most definitely!).
When a classmate is hurt or sad, the others gather around to support her. Let's take the incident concerning "Aphrodite" (a proper name for a young goddess, protecting her true identity). Well, one day she was having difficulty at home because she wanted to date this 18-year-old boy, but she was just 15!
Her mother thought this was ridiculous, and demanded that she not see him. Well, Aphrodite saw it differently; you see, she thought her mother was being unfair by not allowing her to date this guy. So, the rest of us sprung into action, each offering her an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and, of course, a rational head to lend advice.
It wasn't an easy experience for any of us but, in time, Aphrodite realized that this guy was wanting a relationship unsuitable for someone our age. It wasn't long before she stopped seeing him, and her mother and the rest of us rejoiced! Another happy ending to what could've been a disaster.
Some would think this life would get tiring, but I'm somewhat accustomed to it and thankful each morning I awake.
Chelsea Converse is a sophomore at St. Andrew's Priory. Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
allowing those 12 to 22 to serve up fresh perspectives.
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