Chris Core's Core Values

Last week’s column (“A Peek Inside The Teenage Mind”) produced a huge response from Examiner readers.  In the column I printed a list of topics on which my daughter’s friend, Sarah, was willing to opine.  When I told Sarah (who turned 17 last week) that so many of you wanted to know what she thinks, she was thrilled.  So, here goes:

1.The sheer waste of money on Promethean boards: “Too much class time is spent booting up the projector/board, realigning it, ensuring that the board, touch pen, cursor and internet all work in conjunction.  I prefer being taught by white board and dry-erase markers.”

2. Teachers sharing their political opinions in class: “I used to be so intimidated by my teachers that when asked, I would answer as I thought the teacher would, even though I didn’t  really think that way. I am a Republican, and most of my teachers are not.  It has taken me a while to work up the courage to say what I really think and not worry about the consequences.”

3. Twitter: “I was an adamant hater of Twitter until a couple of weeks ago when I decided to give in to the ‘trend’ (pun intended). Why did people need to know my thoughts, plans, and feelings at literally every moment?  But, eventually I, too, have been sucked in and it is a regular part of my social networking routine, as it is for most teens.”

4. SATs:  “Boy I could go on and on.  Basically, too much pressure! I feel like the tests are a four hour mind tricks that appear to dictate my future.  Plus the test is not fair, because students who are lucky enough to have parents who pay for test prep will always do better.”

5. The benefits of having my own car: “Though they would never admit it, when I got my license my parents were so happy to have the burden of driving me off their shoulders. And I honestly think because it’s my own car, it makes me a better driver than many of my friends because I am used to the way the car drives.”

Thanks, Sarah, and happy birthday.  And thanks to you readers for giving me the excuse to let somebody else write this week’s column.  Goofing off can be a Core Value (but not in high school, Sarah)!