Goodbye Stinky Schoolbus
Another morning, another day of running permanently behind schedule. I can feel mom shaking my shoulder, but nothing can raise me from this glorious slumber. Alas, the 8th grade was not the easiest, but I eventually opened my eyes to the morning sun and looked forward to my first day at the New School.
Although the Internet was a blessing for all, it has had the most effect on our education. Strictly speaking, the internet is a tool to teach. The thought behind it, in the early years of the internet’s creation, was akin to the way young children are best able to learn a second language while they are still developing and fully immersed. The Creators felt the same way about the Internet. The hubs of early technology centered in schools like the University of Minnesota and MIT always had a sense of ownership and even rights over the Internet.
It was an academic creation and thus should be incorporated into schools. Instead of kids being dipped toe-by-toe into the world of technology, we were thrown full force into virtual Kindergarten The New School has standardized lots of things, but most of all it has been entirely accessible for all kids across the U.S. and even in some other countries. My best friend in the 4th grade was Japanese! Schooling crosses borders and oceans, bringing the youth of our world together. Before this system, life seemed pretty bleak.
My mom was born right around 9/11, the sparking fears of terrorism in the West. Nasty viruses, wars, and climate change plagued our nation and all the old folks would say “It’s up to you youngsters to fix our mess,” while at the same time complaining of the overuse of screens and constant texting. At least that's how my mom describes it. So, her generation did do something, they went back to the basics of where the internet really started. Yes, it is a government initiative, but it is led by some of the smartest students and professors across the country.
So that takes me back to my day, and why I am so excited. Today is my first day back in the New School full time as a high school student. I have seniority, agency and most important creativity. power. I quickly gobble my breakfast as the clock ticks to a daunting 8:59 AM and then hustle to my learning cubicle. The word cubicle doesn’t really do my set-up justice. The soft cream cubicle is a few inches taller than me, with a smooth glass handle. On the inside is a platform for my feet and soft cushioning molded to the exact form of my body. Small wires with sticky ends are laid gracefully around the head. As I step in, I can automatically feel myself relax. The stress of the real world is gone as I attach the wires and snuggle into the cushions. The door closes with a rush and I close my eyes.
Entering the New School feels kind of like walking into the cleanest and most pristine train station you have ever witnessed. You’re surrounded by the most creative avatars kids from the ages of six to eighteen can come up with, all bustling about finding their proper pods. As I take in my surroundings I hear a small “ding'' and today’s schedule appears before my eyes. Absorbing information in the pods is kind of like reading a book and picturing the events in your mind. Information comes in what feels like organic thoughts and it is subconsciously absorbed. My schedule guides my mind towards my first pod, Italian language center.
The language center is one of my favorite places in the New School. As I step through the doors I am greeted with signs pointing to various countries. Entering Italy, I am immediately in the coliseum, or a very convincing virtual replica. My fellow students gaze and awe like me and my Italian teacher gives off rapid instructions of today's activities. It is a scavenger hunt around the city to find locations with only Italian names and directions. My excitement for this task and the day of learning bubbles over, I am the happiest to be back to virtual learning.
The first day back in the New School felt like coming home after a long hard day of travel. School used to be so difficult when it was five days a week in person with grueling sports and extracurriculars that sometimes felt like a job. With virtual learning schooling is streamlined and standardized. I no longer have to ride a stinky bus or pack a squished salami sandwich for lunch. Learning is fun and immersive as it should be. Kids are allowed to try as many things as they want, or dedicate themselves to one passion as early as thirteen. But best of all, this school is free. Of course I could choose to go to an in person college or university, but right now, I plan on cruising through the ninth grade and the rest of the time I have to just be a kid among other kids.