Were You Prepared For This?: The School System

So today I watched a documentary and currently watching one. Both about the education system. And both showing the little things that majority of people didn't know or really think about, but some live with and think about every day. The first documentary was 'Waiting for Superman'. The second is the 'College Conspiracy'. So let me do a quick breakdown if you haven't seen either film.

'Waiting for Superman' talks about the entire school system. From the horrible number of students that can pass reading or math exams nationwide (20%-40% passing when nationally tested after the No Child Left Behind movement)...to the number of high schools over 40% when it comes to their drop out rates (2,000 in the U.S.). It shows multiple forms of the school system failing children, from bad teachers not being able to be fired after they hit tenure (which is time based) or chancellors not having free range to extend the length of the school day. It was a great documentary that really opened up the school system for what it was.....a Failing One.

As I watch 'College Conspiracy', the topic thus far is the school system...but more about around college obviously. They are hitting home right now about the great idea that any kid can go to school, go to college, be whatever they want to be, and then end up with the exact life they want. Which everyone that has graduated college knows is a load of bull. Nevertheless as I watch, I am split on this movie. Why? I am a person that is living that life of bull. I went and got an education, now living the life I want, and doing what I see fit. But of course, I can't go in on this movie without watching the whole thing....so that shall come later.

So what am I to talk about right now? Well the school system period. When I look back at my younger years, the school system failed me and the people I know. Now I won't go on about the horrible teachers I have had in my past...because honestly I didn't have too many bad ones. My friends would tell me all the time about their teachers telling them that they didn't care or that they didn't learn anything. And nevertheless, our school system is half day care school because of all the things going on inside of them and parents expecting teachers to raise their kids (which to me is idiotic). But how did the school system fail me? Well there aren't many ways, but they are strong. The rest of my failures in school was based on my own actions.

For starters, overcrowded classrooms. Not much I could do about it, and I hope the school would not be happy with giving them out to students, but so is life. Its hard to get the attention you might want or need when you have 30+ students in a class and a fight breaks out. In high school, a lot of the times I would go to one of my favorite math teachers and ask him for math problems. I would have him help me solve complex math problems I saw somewhere. I was in his class during other classes so I could gain extra information. I loved being in his room and around him. But not everyone can find a teacher to get that extra help.

Another...Safety. The school tried with metal detectors and guards, and agents coming in, but something else should have been done. From fights in basketball games, to gang vs gang brawls after school, and to the things I only heard about because I left early (Thank God for lunch last period).

End of the day though....if I failed something...if I didn't get extra time on some work...if I wasn't on a level I should have been...it was my fault. I made the choices I made. I could have found problems in centers to help me, but I chose to hang out with friends or get a job. So the school system failed me when I was younger, but I failed myself most of all. But thank God again that I was never left back or had to drop out in high school. I read on the right level (I made sure to always read books even outside of the curriculum), my math  scores were good (look where it landed me) and I've always been one for science.

Chemistry Olympiad. Advanced Placement and Honors every single year. A great degree and the ability to pay off my school loans....I'm happy with the education system...but I'm only one person. It's failed others Greatly.

You're Heading In The Wrong Direction: You Have Me Confused

So right now I have been in New York on my vacation (Back Home, Yes!!!!). So excuse my short absence. But what is on my mind right now? The Theory of Going Dutch.

So while I'm in NY, my thing is seeing old friends and spending time with people I haven't seen in a while. One fact about me though, is that most of my friends are females. Why? I like being around females and they always have fun with me, so they love my company also. The problem I have been having lately though is that they want to go out to dinner ,which I don't like doing with girls I am not dating/messing with/talking to, and then on top of that, have me pay for it. I don't get this at all. Why am I expected to pay for you if we are friends?? What responsibility do I have to you that that is a must? I don't expect anything from you, and you shouldn't from me. Its just time together.

So these are things I've heard lately:

"You're cheap" <~Mostly used

"The guys I go out with always pay"

 "What kind of guy are you? Real men always pay"

 Plus other crap that's too long, but try to demean me. Now my question is to all these female friends of mine......what the hell is wrong with you??

1, I'm not your man. Not trying to be. And want nothing from you but your time.....so why am I paying for your time when you're not paying for mine?
2, We friends. Since when do friends ask friends for anything like that??
3, I don't expect sex or anything from you....so why are you expecting something from me?
4, If I'm cheap because I won't pay for you.....what does that make you if you can't pay for you?

But the funny thing is that these are females I have known and been close with for years and they have never asked these things of me. Hmmmmm wonder why now? Sad when people change for the negative. But looks like I wont be hanging out with them. Screw that. I refuse to pay. What do I look like paying to chill with every friend I have? Who is going to help me when I have bills? Not them. So guess we will keep our relationship to ONLY messengers and texts.

So Ladies, if we are not on an official date, don't expect me to pay. Especially when you ask me out or we are only friends. And if I tell you its going to be dutch....don't be mad....come out your pocket also.

Make Smart Decisions: Who's Right If Anything?

So...minutes ago...I had a debate with someone. They work in retail and randomly popped up and said they don't understand why people that have wealth are so cheap...and the ironic thing is that earlier today I watched a documentary talking about the wealthiest 1% of America. Also ironic because of my last post. So what did we debate over? The concept of spending money repeatedly compared to large expenses.

Now she admit that poor people spend more than rich people....but can you stop and see the problem with that right there?? Poor People........Spend More..........than Rich People. She pointed out that spending $200 on sneakers every two weeks when you get a pay check is alright and better than spending $1,000 on a HDTV, which is equivalent to her 5 paycheck periods. But there are other factors involved here.

1. That HDTV will last me for years.
2. The more sneakers you buy, the less you wear them overall....making it kind of pointless.
3. I can go and sell my TV for a good amount of money....you'll only throw out your sneakers or be forced to donate them.
4. If you have a personality to go and just spend money....chances are its more than just sneakers you're going out to buy. You need the clothes to go with those sneakers. Things to take care of them. And the money to go out places and have fun.
5. We can go back to my last post....and when you see me buying something new and expensive....you're going to look on and be jealous of the money I have....when it could have been equal to all the money you spent.

So what is the problem here??  Its plain and simple. The more you go out and spend.....the less money you will end up having. The less money you have.....the less things you can go out and have. Its not a hard concept lol. I was talking to a friend of mine and we agreed on something....we worked at an amusement park together and each brought home about $600 every two weeks. Problem is that neither one of us have anything to show for it. Why? Because we went and spent it all on stupid things that we can't even remember or have now. This is the problem with so many. But never would you see me arguing that saving your money is the bad way to go.

Do I think people are different and can spend their money as they choose? Yes. Do I think some things are stupid to always buy? Hell yes. That same friend that I worked with....he said I was never the type to buy clothing. I was the guy to buy electronics. Which is completely true. But then when I would buy my electronics and come around....people were jealous or looked at me funny. Funny thing is....they would go and spend more than I would on clothes and shoes in a month, than I paid for whatever I had cost me.

Moral Of The Story......Spend All Your Money....You'll End Up Poor And Without......Then Having Nothing To Show For It.