It’s really hard to look back on my freshman year and think about the people I was friends with.  Three years later, most of  them don’t even acknowledge me in the hallway. This isn’t to rag on them, but it seems like this happens throughout the school.

People change so much in four years that it’s not even funny. Well, maybe it’s a little funny.  Any way you look at it, high school has the tendency to flip-flop personalities, usually for the worst.

Kids start drinking, smoking, and blowing off the people that care about them the most.  Girls get in huge fights over boys. Even the cafeteria is divided. If you’re not a member of a certain clique, you better steer clear of those tables, or you’ll get your head bitten off!

This is absurd. Why can’t people start acting their age?  Why must people allow gossip to tear their previous friendships apart?

I’ll admit it—I’ve been a part of the whole gossiping cycle, so I realize I can’t be hypocritical.  But it’s really sad when people spread rumors and lies about a kid that ruins their reputation.  It’s extremely hurtful and completely unnecessary.

I challenge students to start acting more mature.  Think about the people you are hurting when you talk about them.  Change is good, but positive change is better.  Don’t get a big head just because you play a varsity sport or have the lead role in the play.  Get along with your fellow classmates; you don’t have to be best friends with everybody, just be nice.

Katelynn Colgain can be reached for comment at [email protected].