Welcome to the high school that is, rollerblading. Popularity is a winning technique used by those engaging in the highest form of “the game.” Some people have graduated already, but continue to hang out in hopes to hold onto the role of that older guy with the cool car. Others have moved on, gone to college, continued to learn, and occasionally drop by for a visit with some old friends. A few have even returned permanently in the role of a teacher. What happened to those kids who were straight-A students, got all the girls, and wore the varsity jackets? Most have gone onto bigger and better things, taking the values and lessons they learned in this great high school and worked it into some sort of success in the outside world. Just like any other high school we see students come and go, those who move in the middle of their educational career, some who never finish, and some who go on and make a name for themselves in all that is beyond.
As a freshman, I was obsessed with grabbing everybody’s attention. Some say I was the class clown, more about doing odd things and setting myself apart rather than just fitting in with the cool kids. I was from the other side of town, so I didn’t have all of the luxuries everyone else seemed to have. My skates were earned, my clothes paid for with my own money, and I had to walk to school. No tires spinning for this guy. But, even with all that seemed to stand against me I had a pretty good reputation. Most people at school played either varsity, or hung on the jocks of those who were lucky enough to be starters in every one of the big games. Why should it matter if one guy had a letter on his jacket while others didn’t even have the privilege of owning one? To some of us, it didn’t matter in the least. After all, we were all here for the same reason.
Life was pretty great back then. Even guys like me who didn’t play varsity sports had it in with the girls and shouldered a reputation that granted benefits for all. But, nowadays things are extremely different. The school’s attendance record is way down and there are rivalries coming from every direction. Those who graduate have a hard time getting into colleges, let alone finding work at even the worst of jobs. I guess I am glad I graduated so long ago, because when I look at things now it seems to be so hard. Something else has changed. Drama never used to exist. Or, at least not on this level. Sure, there were the two main streets in town, Senate Boulevard and FRst, and they were always getting into it. But, other than that everyone seemed to get along.
Now, before I get lost in a tangent on what the problem is all about or why it even exists at all, I must let you know that I graduated from this school eleven years ago. Only recently did I move back in town and see what had been going on. I got this great job that allows me to travel and I bring back many stories to share. But, regardless of how much culture is introduced into these high schoolers lives they always seem to find an issue. It’s as though every street has a gang and they are willing to yell and scream and dish out punishment at a moments notice without taking into account that they, being every single high schooler in town, are all here for the same reason.
Sure, times have changed, new technology has been introduced to the world, people have grown up and had kids of their own that went to the very same school, and people have even moved from all over because they thought the education here is good. But, the drama is driving some of these people away. Those who stay often get hurt in the crossfire. I don’t get it. Why can’t people find common ground and celebrate differences. I mean if they looked deep enough I bet they would find out that we are all not too different after all. But, I guess those are just the woes of Rollerblade High School.
Written By Dave Bloom
