It's been two years since I last walked through the overcrowded hallways of Shenendehowa High school and I can honestly say there are some things you just don't forget.
1. Hall monitors were like prison guards
Shenendehowa Penitentiary features state of the art fences, locking mechanisms on all of the doors, and a skilled security task force (aka hall monitors). Each hall monitor is equipped with top of the line communication devices (walkie-talkies) that can be used to radio to HQ (principal's office) at the push of a button. So if you were planning to vandalize a wall, pull a fire alarm, or go to the bathroom, don't even think about it.
2. Fighting your way through the hallway
Nothing like kicking and punching your way through a crowd of 500 people. You have five minutes to get where you are going and 3 of them are spent shuffling one step at a time with your elbows at your side in a hot mass of adolescent bodies. By the time the crowd starts to disperse you have exactly one minute to get from one side of the building to the other. And unless you run like Usain Bolt, there is a good chance you won't make it.
3. Meeting a new person every day
With an average class size of 800 and over 3,000 total students, there's no way you can know everyone. Walking through the halls you could legitimately meet a new person every day. Funny thing is, oftentimes, they aren't new. "Hey, I've never seen you before. You must be new. Welcome to Shen." "No I've been going here since the third grade." Oh...
4. #F*ckToga
5. Saying goodbye to social media every day
We have lightning fast wifi, but there's one little catch. It blocks ALL social media. Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram...everything. It's like living in North Korea for eight hours. If you want access to the outside world you would have had to disconnect from the wifi and we all know how that drains your battery. You might as well leave your phone at home.
6. Make it a great day or not.
"The choice is yours. I do hope you make it a great day." Yes these wise words from Principal Flynt will be engrained in all of our heads long after graduation day.
7. Reading bathroom graffiti
Toilet trips are never dull. You need some reading material? Look no further than the surrounding stall to find some conveniently placed profanity. If you look long and hard enough, you can even find a rare compliment.
8. Reading the Grapevine for entertainment
Ah yes, the Grapevine. Your premier source for district information...or in class entertainment. No such thing as a dumb question (see below).
One time I was walking in HSE and a hall monitor said, “Have a nice day.” You guys really hire such nice citizens to monitor our halls! They make me feel special.
A. Thanks for the feedback.
Is it ok to come to school high if it’s for medical purposes?
A. No.
Why can’t we get a decent meal? The food here is awful. We obviously have the money if we can cut down trees for a new sign.
A. Those are not the same funding source.
9. Not being allowed on the secret elevator
Not to be forgotten is the second floor of high school East. Accessible through a variety of never ending staircases or one hidden elevator. Too bad the only time you are allowed on it is if you break a leg.
10. Plainsmen Pride
It's common knowledge that our student section is unmatched by any other school in the capital region. The intensity our teams play with on the field is mirrored in the stands. Outside of athletics there is one thing that has always set us apart from other schools. When faced with extreme adversity, we always rally. We come together the way a nation comes together during times of war. Being a part of Plainsmen nation means you always have the support of your peers. We stand by one another through times of hardship. Together we have overcome some of life's greatest obstacles and no matter where you go in life after Shen, you have something incredible to reflect on. After all, once a plainsmen, always a plainsmen.
man running in forestPhoto by 
