Answers to Whiny Questions

Mr. Marcinkus, the bathroom / drinking fountain is right there! Why do I need a pass?

You need a pass and your ID because it is a school rule. Our directing principal yells at teachers when we don't follow the rules. I'm just doing my job. If you bring me a note from my boss telling me I don't have to do my job, then I'm cool with you leaving the room without a pass. Until then, bring your pass and ID to every class.

Mr. Marcinkus, why can't I listen to my music when I'm wearing headphones? Other teachers don't care.

According to your principal, my boss, I am supposed to confiscate music players and cell phones. This is the job that I've been instructed to do. Have my boss come and personally tell me that it's okay for you to listen to your music, and I'll be fine with it. Otherwise, let me do the job I've been told to do without any hassles. Oh, and, I really don't care what other teachers let you do. I don't want to get yelled at by my boss, so I'm going to do what I was told to do.

Why can't I play with my cell phone? We're not doing anything!

First off, you should always be doing something. If you think you have finished with your work early -- this is English class. Written assignments can always be improved. If you choose to not do the best you can do on your written work for my class, work on some other homework or read a book. Secondly, cell phones are not allowed in the classrooms. Besides, how do I know you're not text-messaging your friend the answers to a test that she's taking in another room. Y'know, with that other teacher who doesn't care what you do.

Ugh... We're reading another story / writing more responses?

Uh, duh, yeah. You're in English class. Our curriculum is guided by reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with the major emphasis on those first three. If you really don't like it, please drop my class and join that other teacher's class who doesn't care. Yeah, that's right, I do care.

This story is boring (gay/stupid)! Do we have to read it?

Yep, we're going to read it. Don't worry though, I understand what you're really saying. You're saying that you don't understand what's going on the story and can't appreciate anything that you don't know about. It's just too bad that you're not giving the story a chance. Maybe, just maybe if you allow yourself to get into it, you might not find it so boring after all. And please don't use the word "gay" in that context. It causes me to believe you have a limited vocabulary.

You have every right to your opinion, however. If, after you've given the story an honest chance and still find it lacking, I'll be happy to hold a conversation about your problems with the plot, setting, characters, themes, or other literary element that you should be basing your opinion off of. That's what educated people do.

Why does this school suck so bad?

If by "school" you mean the building itself, it's old. If you had been built in 1928, you'd need a little TLC too. However, to me a school is not just the building, but everyone who comes together inside of it. All of my co-workers are very caring people who try very hard to do the best job they can so that you can be successful in the future. Most of the students I deal with are also caring people who want to live a life without hurting others or being hurt by others. I like being a part of the Horlick community; so, I don't think it sucks. You are part of this school, too. Ask yourself, why do you suck?