HTCI

When it comes to the rules set for teenagers, we’re good at complaining. However, when something which affects us in a major way comes up, we lack the ability to voice our opinions in healthy, progressive ways. Instead we just sit around at lunch and talk about it, or even worse, just tweet about it.

To be fair, CHS doesn’t have much to complain about. We have an amazing school with resources beyond our imaginations; however, there are still some aspects students wish they could see more of, or less of. Should all school convocations be mandatory? What makes a poster appropriate in the eyes of administration? Will we follow Noblesville and Zionsville with random drug tests? Why do I not get a parking pass? What qualifies a day as a “snow day?” We certainly like to question rules and procedures, but do we ever actually try to find answers?

No, we should not all storm into Principal Williams’ office and sending shady tweets on @myccsroasts doesn’t offer solutions. Instead we need to know where and when our voices will be heard successfully.

First, get informed before taking up something with anyone in a position of authority. Know what you are talking about. This will help your argument and save you from embarrassment. Find a teacher, counselor or administrator who can help give you more knowledge or even help your cause.

Second, understand the appropriate and effective methods to share complaints as well as ideas for change. There are a few different ways. One is through a letter to the editor in the HiLite. Through this you can state your opinion and arguments as well as reach many different people to gain support. It also creates a conversation in an open, structured platform. 

Another way to effectively discuss and solve issues is through going to school board meetings. This allows students, and people of the community, to publicly discuss topics with very powerful people. Forums like these are important because they allow your opinion to be heard and received in a way that creates a conversation promoting change.

As students, we have a responsibility to check those in charge of CHS. However we also need to remember to check ourselves. So before you send out a roast tweet, think: is this the best way to address this problem or should I take charge? We have a voice and with that comes responsibility.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Kelsey Atcheson at [email protected].