Journals The Tattoo

High school years are finally here

In less then a week, I will once again enter the brick walls of Aurora High School, for the very first time as a student, as the scourge of all upperclassmen. Yes, I, Zach Brokenrope, will be a freshman, or frosh, as we are so lovingly called.

So, you may ask, am I nervous about this upcoming year as I’m told I’m supposed to be? No, not really.

Zach Brokenrope at Aurora High School (YJI)

In Aurora, Nebraska, the grades are generally integrated since there is only one complex that houses the elementary, middle and high school.

As a result, you become friends gradually with everyone who’s anywhere near you in grade.

In fact, some of my best friends are seniors or juniors — something that should never happen, according to Hollywood and teen magazines.

Another reason for my non-apprehension about the prospect of high school is that Aurora Middle School and Aurora High School are only separated by a 10-foot narrow road where the buses drive through.

In middle school, you even have classes in the high school, such as band and chorus.

So now that you’ve got the answer to the most important question about being a freshman in Aurora, I’m going to move on.

In Nebraska, the week before means one thing: school shopping.

It’s that dreaded week of searching for school supplies and going to the mall with a handful of money trying to find “something nice,” like your parents told you.

However, finding that “something nice” tends to be harder then you think.

The first hurdle you must pass in searching for your wardrobe is the dress code of your school, which here is strict, tighter than a corset (anyone else see Pirates of the Caribbean?).

So automatically that takes out most of the screen print t-shirts that are available (no Abercrombie & Fitch for us).

Okay, if you pass that first hurdle there’s one more: your parents.

If you buy something black then they might think you’re Gothic and send you to a counselor — and who wants that just because of some clothes?

That’s what I have for now.

As this year continues, though, I hope to tell you everything.

These are my confessions.

Zach Brokenrope is a Reporter for Youth Journalism International.