Einstein defines insanity as continually doing the same thing, but expecting a different result. With school coming back into session comes a special kind of Einstein’s version of insanity. It is a bit of a sickness known as popularity. Each year tons of students walk through the hallowed halls of high school on the first day wanting to change the image they have and fall into a new position within the high school hierarchy. But alas no one ever seems to reach this dream because trying to change the way people see you is next to impossible when you have been viewed one way practically your whole life.

Though on the surface the kingdom-like world we all know as high school seems simple, but things are never what they seem. The main kingdom for the most part begins with grade level. Seniors rule over all as kings and queens of the castle. Juniors stand alongside the Seniors as trusted advisors, but the final say still falls into the hands of the Seniors. Sophomores are feeling good being a part of the castle, but are still working with the new Freshmen to please the kings and queens to ensure their place on the throne one day, but it doesn’t stop there.

Within each grade level there is another popularity kingdom. It always seems to start at the top with the cutest guys and prettiest girls who seem like they have everything and have been everywhere. Below them are the sports team members. Then the really smart and nice kids. Next are the arts kids including the performing arts. Then there are the kids that everyone assumes are weird even though no one but their friends have ever taken the time to talk to them. Finally, it is as if everyone else just meshes together into the background.

Now moving up the hierarchy of grade level is inevitable, but the kingdoms within those are hard to mess with. We are given a position when we first walk in, and it seems to be insane to think that anyone could mess with that system. But who knows maybe this will be the year that the virus evolves and spreads.