Flawed+Bonding

Some students were upset to see puzzle pieces on lockers as the class symbol, but there was even more outrage when it was heard that the junior class hangs out with each other and have been more open to each other. Kelsey Z. (’09) described the puzzle pieces as a “wake up call.” Elyria G. (’09) felt that the puzzle pieces were, “…a harsh truth [and] a bit embarrassing…” When asked about the puzzle pieces, senior Catye C. (‘08) explained, “The puzzle piece symbolizes that the junior class is broken up just like the pieces of a puzzle…it is also supposed to show that if they all just work together, they can manage to put the puzzle back together…” Others took a less blunt approach to explaining the symbolism behind the puzzle pieces. Student Body President Rachel B. (’08) stated, “The puzzle piece symbolizes that uncertainty about the theme of the class.” At McGehee is it normal to see teachers joke with students and girls running around the school like free, mad men. Students describe it as a place of closeness, where you are friends with everyone, a place where you can be yourself because you know people will accept it. Everyone is a unit, but people don’t see the junior class fitting that mold very well. Alia S. (’09) expressed, “…I guess being at McGehee there’s an unstated rule that says you have to be close…” Most classes seem to follow that “rule” very well but the class of 2009 seems to be having a bit of trouble. A junior said, “The people in our class have been more open to hanging out with other people than in middle school. We’ve gotten closer…” In response there were mumbles under the breath from the junior class of that comment being a lie. Over time people grow older, people change, classes as a whole change and usually grow closer. Class trips generally bring girls together. The notorious Camp Coyote and May Day weren’t only traditions; they were meant to bring the class together. These events may not have worked on the class of 2009 like they should have but there have been some interruptions throughout the years that could possibly be used to explain part of the problem. Ninth grade is a time to really bond and change; the ninth grade year of the junior class was interrupted. Chloe H. (’09) said that she feels the reason the junior class hasn’t bonded very well is partially due to the hurricane. All the blame for the way the junior class cannot only be put on Katrina. In response to her comment Elizabeth W. (’09) added, “We…lost people who kept the class together.” Louise S. (’09) stated in reference to a class mate who had to move to South Carolina, “E. Leigh (’09) was a big part of our class. She was the joker and made everyone laugh.” Different people in our class have different personalities and that is seen as a very unique thing by other members of the student body. Sam Tillery (’10) described the class of 2009 as, “Very cliquey…. yet very different personalities of each person really sticks out and I think it’s a really neat thing.” Personalities can be unique and “…are what bring a class together but in some cases they don’t mesh well together.” said Anne K. (’09). From Chloe H.’s (’09) point of view, integrating oneself into another group in the class would be extremely hard, especially when you only fit in with a certain group…We always sit in the same places in homeroom, the same places in assembly…” When asked, members of the class said they considered people, “…who don’t judge me” to be there true friends. The class of 2009 has, “…so many types of people” Different personalities and the views of different friends bring different views on things like friendship to the table. Louise S. (’09) said, “We have different views on what friendship means and what bonding means and getting along and understanding and appreciating it. We’re judgmental.” A source from the junior class said, “[There are] two groups when it comes down to this. There’s “them” and then there’s the rest of us.” Those who have different personalities generally look past the opinions of the other person and try to get along. But when it comes to trying does the junior class want to try? Anne K. (’09) wonders, “…if people try and really work towards it we can become more united.” Others said, “We haven’t bonded well because certain people don’t try; they’re too “cool” to bond with the rest of the class.” There seems to be no attempt to bring the class closer. Members of 2009 said, “We don’t support each other.” Our support has been described as, “In assemblies we walk up and one of our classmates is up there we don’t root and cheer for them.” It’s hard to believe that being in a very spirited school like McGehee, the class of 2009 doesn’t support each other. When a classmate goes up to report something in assembly there is no loud cheering like the kind that comes from the hyper senior class. Eleanor O. (’09) always manages to give some type of encouraging hoot, accompanied by others, but other than that we are silent. One junior said, “It doesn’t bother me anymore that our class is divided.” Although the juniors may have accepted that this is how their class is going to be, they are still unhappy about it and want a change. Some members are so fed up that when asked to describe the class they give sad upsetting answers “There is a barrier that both sides don’t want to cross.”