Thank God I Didn't Switch Out

A few months ago I contemplated transferring out of AP English 12 to regular English. For me it was one of the hardest decisions and it took me awhile to finally decide.

One minute I would say, “I’m going to take the stress away and go to Carlson’s.” The next I would be saying, “I’m going to push myself and stay in Caffey’s.” I asked my friends, “Should I stay in Caffey’s or go to Carlson’s?” They would answer with one or the other. I thought their answers would help, but I just couldn’t make up my mind.

Finally I made up my mind. I went to Mrs. Percy’s office to ask her if I could switch out of Mrs. Caffey’s into Mr. Carlson’s. She replied, “Well you would have to talk Mrs. Caffey and Mr. Carlson to see if they would allow you to switch this late into the semester. May I ask you why?” I thought about the real reason why I wanted to switch. I told her, “I need an A in English in order to get a full tuition scholarship and I don’t think I can do that in Mrs. Caffey’s.” She understood and told me to come back once I’ve talked to them.

I was kind of hesitant to talk to Mrs. Caffey. At the time, I was nervous and scared of what she would say. It was seventh hour and I finally got the courage to talk to her. I walked down the hall into her classroom with my mind set on switching to regular English.

I sat down in the chair next to her desk thinking about how to start. There was no perfect way to tell her, so I just blurted it out. We had a long discussion with some tears shed, but I ended up walking out her classroom with my final, final decision, which you all know what it was.

I decided that I wasn’t going to take the easy way out. I had already pushed myself through thousands of obstacles, so why not push through another?

Honestly, I’m glad that I didn’t switch out.

One day I was sitting in my usual chair listening to everyone talk about something that didn’t pertain to what we were supposed to be doing and that’s when I knew I made the right decision.

This class hasn’t been just another class. It certainly has been a struggle stepping or trying to step out of my comfort zone. Besides all of the school work, I have had a great time listening to everyone’s hilarious stories and life lessons. Every time I walk into class, I know that there will be lots of laughs and every time I walk out of that class my day is so much better.

I just want to thank Mrs. Caffey for convincing me not to switch out her class. I’d like to think that she has made me a better writer and presenter. She has challenged me to do better and be better. That’s why I really will the class and especially her.

P.S. There is a high possibility that I will not become the President of the United States.

Decision Making

Thursday night I walked into the kitchen not knowing what I was doing and then I heard my stepmom ask me, “We are going to Phoenix this weekend. Do you want to come?” I wondered why they would be going because they only go on special occasions. Then it hit me, the girls’ state softball game was going on. I contemplated going.

My mind was listing the pros and cons of whether I should go or not. The “devil” in my head was telling me that I could get away from this windy weather, go swimming, and maybe even go shopping. That sounds like the perfect weekend right? Wrong.

The “angel” in my head was reminding me that going would mean spending money, sitting in hot weather for hours, and stressing like crazy over homework on Sunday night.That to me was an unsettling image.

By now you’ve probably guessed it. I declined the offer to spend the weekend in Phoenix. You’re probably thinking I’m crazy right now, but trust me I have good reasoning.

I noticed that I just can’t  jump at any fun opportunity anymore. There are factors that go into my decision making now. I have to think of my grades, my health, and my finances. I’m not a child anymore. I am an adult and I have to think of my what will benefit me in the best way.

I mean I could’ve took my laptop and did my work on the way to Phoenix, but I’ve tried that before and it didn’t quite work out the way I wanted it to.

As for the finances, I don’t currently have a job, so I’m tight on money. I have both high school and college expenses to pay for. My stepmom even told me that I wouldn’t have to spend any of my money, but I don’t really like it when other people pay for me nor do I like asking for anything. I’d rather do nothing than spend other people’s money.

Since I didn’t go, I got to spend my weekend by myself all alone in my house. I woke up, watched Netflix, cleaned, and did homework. I walked around the house several times trying to find something to entertain me. Because it was only me, the house was quiet as a rock. I either kept the tv or music playing. I was bored out of my mind. It felt weird not talking to anyone.

From this experience, I’m glad I have school to keep me busy and out of the house. I don’t know how I would survive staying home every single day. I’m also glad to have friends and family to talk to. Communication is a great gift.

Although I was super bored and lonely, I think I made the right decision of staying home this weekend. I probably saved a lot of money and saved myself from some awkwardness. If I went, I would probably be typing this blog late tonight, stressing. And that right there is why I’m thankful I didn’t go.