The Geeky, Awkward Introduction
by Erin Nolan

Have you ever tried to write a column on absolutely anything? It’s surprisingly difficult. I have spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to come up with ideas for what to write for this. I don’t want to bore you all but it’s very hard to not be boring when you are not funny.
Sean and Joey had it easy. They could talk about anything and make it funny and entertaining. Then there is me. It’s not that I am boring, per say, just not funny on paper. It’s a problem! I am sure many of you flipped to this column to see what new humorist had come to fill the empty space left by Young Master Fagan’s departure from Ireton. That of course would be the reason I decided to call this column “Erin Isn’t Funny.” It’s sort of a warning label, if you will.
Now don’t get me wrong, I can be funny occasionally. My friends will tell you it is not on purpose, but sometimes I can produce laughter purposefully. Unfortunately though, I am no Chuckles the Clown.
Have heart, though! Through the years I have heard numerous complaints about the obscene amounts of The OC, the Olsen Twins, and popped collars that appeared in this space. Unlike my distinguished predecessors, I don’t care about The OC, I’m surprised the Olsen girls still exist, and I do not feel the desire to discuss your personal dressing habits. In other words, no more of that!
What exactly am I going to write about then, you ask? Well, that has yet to be decided. If you have any suggestions feel free to write in with them! Contact information can be found inside the front page.
Now that I’m done sounding like an infomercial, I guess what I wanted to do with this first column was introduce myself to the masses. Another thing that makes me different from Sean and Joey is I’m not as well known. But I like people, and I want to get myself out there with this column. More than likely my subsequent columns will be about whatever is going on at the time that I think is important, or that I just want to voice my opinion about. Sometimes they might be mildly amusing, sometimes they will probably be serious. But I sincerely hope that you will read it, at least occasionally.
Now that I have established myself as a huge loser, I’m going to wrap this up. See you next time here on “Erin Isn’t Funny.”

Be All You Can Be For School Unity
by Kim Felt
     

A major theme this new year at Bishop Ireton High School is school unity. Walking down the halls people are heard talking about going to watch different sporting events, joining new clubs, and participating in various activities. Showing support for the different school teams and friends are important ways to maintain class unity and create a stronger sense of school unity and spirit.  The faculty and staff are stressing this issue so much that, for some, it is driving people crazy. The school quote this year is, “rejoice in the good that others do and even back up their efforts.” This means that one should support the good that others do, whether or not they are one’s closest friends.
There are many opportunities at Bishop Ireton to show support for classmates and friends. Joining the cardinal crazies, talking to the OSG, and even speaking with the advisors are great opportunities. There are many school retreats for each class that try to get one to open up to others and step out of their comfort zone. The advisory retreat for all classes is an important one that stressed school unity and getting along with everyone. It helped people open to others because not many people are comfortable with themselves and opening up to the people who are not their best friends. The whole idea behind school and class unity is to be kind to one another and help out in every way possible. Not talking to someone because they are not close friends is no excuse. Some people even say that they do not like the people that they do not know. We should not judge and dislike each other by focusing on differences, because we are all really similar on the inside.
When it comes to uniting classes, there has been a lot of progress shown by Bishop Ireton’s faculty, the Booster Club, and the parents. The return of the senior privileges to eat in the resource center is one that is definitely important. This lunch gives the senior class a chance to connect with each other, friends, and those that are not close. Senior Fadia Galindo said “The idea is good, but if they had done it freshman year it might have worked. Now it is too late.” Many of the seniors felt that way. Senior Sally Dahljelm said about unity among the senior class, “ Where can you find a school that does not have cliques? I am not saying it is good, it is just the truth.”
A major way that the school can be united is by having the upperclassmen be shining role models for all the underclassmen, especially the freshman. Many freshmen look up to seniors and want to be like them. People of younger age are more impressionable than those of an older age, and model their behavior and attitudes after them. Freshman Rachel Barham said, “ School unity is good because we can get things done by working together.” Unlike the upperclassmen who have already found their niche and friends in the Bishop Ireton Community, underclassmen still have a chance to meet everyone since they are new and still finding out about themselves. Junior Dominic Dixon said about this advice, “I think it is a good thing, because everyone gets into little cliques and never socializes with anyone outside of them...it kind of forces people to now.” Since most of the upperclassmen regret not having school unity stressed to them when they were freshman, underclassmen should heed this advice.
Unity is about supporting your school. It is important to have school unity because when you have the support of every student, you can do much more for the community than with having just a few. School unity is about cheering your team on for all the different sporting events. Work hard and help others. Open yourself up to those that you do not know very well. Try new things and learn from your mistakes. Figure out what it is that you are good at, and share the talents God has given you with other. Live to your potential and be all that you can be, for that is the only way for true school unity.