I thought up this blog topic when Mr. O'Connor was promoting the annual literary festival. After giving us a brief description of the event and running through the lineup, he expressed his appreciation for our hectic schedules but reminded us that some experiences are worth making time for. It might seem a bit ridiculous, but Mr. O'Connor's last words actually left me thinking, "OOOO right right, sometimes it's ok to do interesting things even if you're busy". Then I tried to recall past instances where I ignored an exciting opportunity under the assumption that I had too much work to do. I can think of two examples in the past month alone: Dana Boyd and Lagniappe. My regret led me to realize what I'm actually missing when I mindlessly reject these opportunities: cultural and artistic enrichment. I began to wonder why, when confronted with an enthralling event, it had become my initial reaction to assume I'd be too busy to go.
I think alot of New Trier students react the same way. Is the academically rigorous environment surrounding us to blame? Have we been broken to ignore anything that can't be put on a college application? Have we exchanged our instinctual lust for knowledge with a cut-throat ambition to achieve academic success?
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I think you are totally right. I have blown off countless carbofests because I feel like I have way too much work to do. So I'm blowing off a social, team bonding experience just to do homework. You're right in saying that New Trier students only do things that they can put on their college applications. I wish people would start doing things because they sincerely wanted to, not because it would look good to colleges.
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