Things to Look Forward to When Teenager in High School Funny
current events conversation
What Students Are Saying About Humor in Tough Times, Expectations for Summer 2020 and Apologies
Teenage comments in response to our recent writing prompts, and an invitation to join the ongoing conversation.
For this week's roundup of student comments on our writing prompts, we asked teenagers to give us their opinions on gallows humor, share their hopes and fears for the impending summer, and write stories, poems and memoirs about what it means to say, "I'm sorry."
We'd like to give a warm welcome to the new students who joined the conversation this week from: Guilford, Conn.; La Grange, Ill.; Mexico, N.Y.; Miami Country Day School, Monte Verde, Costa Rica, and Wekiva High School.
Please note: Student comments have been lightly edited for length, but otherwise appear as they were originally submitted.
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Is It OK to Laugh During Dark Times?
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In "It's OK to Find Humor in Some of This," Alex Williams writes about the therapeutic role humor has played during some of the darkest times in human history.
We asked students if they believed in the adage: "laughter is the best medicine." Nearly all of the commenters extolled the merits of keeping a smile through adversity but acknowledged that it is often a tricky balance to strike.
Levity does not diminish tragedy.
It is very important that we continue to laugh during these times. As a person who tends to dwell in negative thoughts, I believe that laughter is the best medicine right now. To find the fun in this situation, is not to take away from its severity, it's just a coping mechanism. There isn't much more we can do than find the bright side and spread positivity … As people we need a bright side to look for, and since we are quarantined, laughter and the sharing of creativity is the best way to bring us together.
— Julia Grandpre, Sarasota, FL
Dark, often morbid, humor has always been one of the best coping mechanisms during a period of pain. Being able to take something horrible and simply laugh at it makes it seem less intimidating, less all-consuming, and easier to cope with. I've made a number of jokes about COVID-19 myself because quite frankly it is an oddly funny situation; it already often felt like the end of the world (whether by global warming or nuclear holocaust was just a matter of pacing), so throwing in the worst pandemic since 1917 — especially while we have a federal government so unqualified that they can't even decide if the virus is real or not — feels so tongue in cheek that it's hard not to laugh. With that in mind, there is a fine line between making fun of a situation and its perpetrators as opposed to making fun of its victims. Make fun of our political leaders and the virus itself all you want; but those who are sick are not at fault.
— Ruth, New Jersey
Humor provides comfort and catharsis.
My mother, nurse at Mass General Hospital is on the front lines of this pandemic and is taking care of patients with Corona 4-5 days a week. The mental toll that it can have on a health care worker more than anyone is unbelievable. They feel like their trapped in this virus and have been closer to it than most of the population. To get through this my mother has told me that she and her work friends joke around at work to stay sane and keep a more positive attitude at work. They joke about their patients to one another and also about all sorts of other things in their lives. Laughter acts as a natural remedy for all people wether there health care workers or just stuck at home.
— Nicholas Tavares, Danvers, MA
I, myself, have used dark humour to cope with multiple personal tragedies in my life. Most recently, a friend of 10 years was diagnosed with cancer during the summer. A boy I've known since first grade, spent nearly every day with for seven years, and consider one of my closest friends has cancer. Hodgkin's lymphoma was the culprit. As terrible as it may seem to others, cancer jokes became normal in our friend group. He, himself, made the most dark jokes. When visiting in the hospital, why would we focus on the negatives? The hours of chemo, the constant checkups, the uncertainty of his future. Joking about his diagnosis alleviated the stress surrounding the reality. I can happily say that he is now cancer-free and doing amazing. The current pandemic is extremely stressful for teenagers despite what adults may believe. Our minds are filled with concern for family and concern for slipping grades. The enormity of the virus is hard to understand. Motivation to complete schoolwork is at an all time low. Jokes about our current situation allow us to feel some type of normalcy in this crisis.
— Emily LeGree, Maury High School, Norfolk VA
Laughter is therapy.
Laughter has power, a force that provides such happiness, relief, and distraction at any point in one's life. But now, when it feels as though the world is really falling apart more and more everyday, we need its power. We need its truth. We need to laugh. No, I'm not saying that people should be making jokes about this horrible pandemic. No, I don't think the fact that human beings are dying and suffering everywhere is worth making a joke out of. And no, I don't feel like this time is much of a joke or something to laugh about at all. But it is proven that laughing releases chemicals in the brain that help boost your immune system, lighten your mood, and awaken your senses. So do I think that it's worth laughing and trying to be happy for the sake of your health and well-being? Most definitely. I love the thought of humans finding small pieces and parts of their life that bring them moments of bliss during this time. I hope that every human can do this, even if it's just one thing everyday that makes them happy, that's more than enough to keep the world spinning.
— Sadie Dunne, Hoggard High school in Wilmington, NC
… I love to laugh. It's that warm bubbling feeling that choruses through your body only to make a sound of a teapot, which of course makes everyone laugh harder. Laughter makes us feel better, heals our broken dreams, and makes us happier. It is a gift that should be accepted gratefully.
— Emily, North Carolina
It's nice to be able to laugh in the middle of a bad situation. I think that if people were able to laugh during the Holocaust, they should definitely be able to laugh now. The Holocaust was basically a massacre, while this is just a sickness that isn't even effecting most people. People in this day and age have the internet as well, which didn't exist during the Holocaust, so spreading laughter and solidarity in this time is easier, especially because there isn't some unpredictable, evil person or group plotting our deaths. If people feel the pressure of the situation, they barely have to move before they find a meme or joke to help them take the pressure off. Even if it isn't very appropriate because some people are dying and even more are suffering due to the quarantine, it's therapeutic. Just like some people sing when they're scared, laughing when they're depressed can help make the situation better.
— Elliot Wells, Hoggard High School in Wilmington, NC
Sometimes, jokes can impede empathy.
One can often hear the phrase "sorry, I laugh when I'm nervous" and there is often a lot of debate surrounding the subject of whether or not it is acceptable to use humor to cope tragedies or, in our case, a global pandemic. Honestly, I see our generation as one where it has become easier than ever to make what some would call insensitive jokes about pretty much anything because it's easier to laugh at a dark joke on a screen just like it's easier to cyber bully someone through a screen. In both cases, you don't directly see who you would impact by making a comment so you become disconnected from possible consequences. It might make you feel better to post that witty comment about people dying from coronavirus, but we all need to be mindful about how that comment would be perceived by people whose lives have been torn apart by the event you just laughed at.
— Lauren Ackermann, Glenbard West High School
It is never not okay to joke or to smile during a dark time when it is at the expense of the dark time and not specific people. I do not think comedy exists and affects in ways that make it still comedy if dark topics are off limits, but it is so important to think about who you may or may not be hurting with what you put out into the world.
— Ivy, NYC
Something just beyond comedy can save us.
In these times, some days, many see no hope for humanity. People all over the world suffer unspeakable violence and we in affluent countries seem unwilling to share our wealth with others. At the same time, those of us in wealthy nations suffer ever-rising levels of anxiety and depression. What can simple laughter possibly do to change all of this? But what is the word laughter, as opposed to comedy, or satire? I don't think comedy can save the world, but, something beyond just comedy. A sense of lightness, the sense of possibility, because laughter capable of performing many crucial, functions.
— David Montee, Glenbard West High School, IL
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What Are Your Hopes and Worries for Summer 2020?
Camps are canceled or on hold, public pools are shuttered, and summer jobs have dried up for teenagers across the country as the threat of the coronavirus shows little sign of letting up this summer.
We asked teenagers about their hopes and worries for summer 2020 and what continued social distancing might mean for their plans. Some maintained optimism about a speedy return to normalcy. But many lowered their expectations for fun and sun in the coming months.
Hoping for a vaccine
I want one thing to happen this summer: for a vaccine to be created. This vaccine will probably take another half a year, but if it is marketable during the summer, normalcy may be much closer than anticipated. I am afraid that this won't happen and people will become more restless. Many people are compliant, and they understand that staying at home is super helpful. However, many people do not, and it can really harm society. Over the next few months, more people will become restless and begin to riot, and that is scary to think about.
— Saharsh Satheesh, Collierville High School, Tennessee
I have very high hopes for summer 2020. While these may not happen I still want to go to the beach with friends and go to the mall or bowling. The events that have so far happened this year are devastating but I think with the proper precautions that are currently being enforced, such as opening stores but with only 25 percent capacity, is a good way to slowly start opening things. I also have hopes for a vaccine soon so that we can go back to our old lives, but this seems to be something that won't happen for a while. So for now, I can only hope we won't be quarantined throughout summer.
— Allie, Florida
Crushed plans and dreams
In discussions of Summer 2020, one controversial issue has been whether it will be safe to be around others or not, in other words if we can resolve the issue of the pandemic. On the other hand, many people still plan on traveling and being near many people. My own view is that if this issue gets resolved my hopes for summer are to go on a vacation, since I was supposed to go to Mexico for the first time this year. Some of my worries are that this issue will not get resolved and it may possibly mean that my senior year will start off with e-learning, which is something I would not be very fond of.
— Kaitlyn Moreno, Glenbard West, Glen Ellyn, IL
Every year I always have things to look forward to. This year its getting my license, going camping, watching my brother graduate, and even just spending time with friends. I worry that this pandemic is going to take all those things away from me. It's already taken away my brother's graduation, I'm worried to see what else is to come. For me, every summer is different. Each year I get a little more freedom to do what I want. Yet if the curve doesn't flatten I'm sure there will be some drastic changes and not the good kind. I believe there's going to be much more restrictions which won't allow people to do much of anything.
— Madalynn Larson, Hoggard High School in Wilmington, NC
Camp or no camp?
Hoping to attend camp for my tenth summer, I would do anything to go back to the place I call my second home. Camp is long anticipated all year by campers and staff, especially now when the only thing you can do in quarantine is practice your friendship bracelet skills and roast as many marshmallows as your stomach allows. My mom, like other parents, will not let me out of lockdown until the expected start of camp. Not seeing our friends and being stuck at home for what seems like forever inevitably causes us to long for human interaction, especially with our summer family. It is the break that we all need because how much Netflix can a teenager seriously binge? However, camp can only occur if the proper precautions are taken. Possible alterations could be that everyone needs to be tested before arrival, there will be no leaving the site, no annually acclaimed visiting day, and more.
— Jordan Sheppard, Miami Country Day School, Miami, FL
I've never been a summer camp kid; I attended year-round schools for elementary and middle school so one week was all we got for the summer, but I made some great memories attending track-out camps throughout the year instead. This summer, I was planning on working as a camp counselor with one of my best friends at a camp that we'd both grew up going to together. I'm still hopeful that I'll be able to do that and it would be a great opportunity to make money and have a ton of fun but I'm fortunate enough to not be reliant on working as a camp counselor as others are. However, I'm hesitant to support opening camps and public places because this is far from over and the threat would still be there, no matter how many guidelines and restrictions there are. As much as I'd love everything to get back to normal and to have a great summer, I don't really see that happening.
— Ana, Cary, NC
Goodbye, summer jobs and internships
If the country doesn't reopen come summertime, many families who depend on that extra cash flow from a child's summer job will find even more debt owed than presently recorded. Not only are summer jobs taking a toll for financial stability, but the summer activities for mental and physical health will be inaccessible and prove to be detrimental to the lives of many.
— Syd B, Maury High School Norfolk VA
Growing up, summers were what kept Greenport afloat. Living in a small town on the East End of Long Island, we thrive off the tourist and summer camp industries. I've worked at a local summer camp for the past 3 years and have been a camper myself for 6. Making kids stay inside, away from their friends all summer without activities would drive them crazy. Not to mention the mental health dangers of doing that. My other concern is- how will we reopen the economy and leave parents without affordable childcare? Some campers are given scholarships so that they can have outdoor activities and their parents can work. This summer will likely be very different, with the loss and grief we've all experienced. But, I hope that we can return to some kind of normalcy for kids this summer. I'm worried about the mental health implications if we don't. I worry for my towns economy and the tourist business. We've been hit particularly hard and everyone wants to heal. We've all lost a lot.
— Shannon C, Greenport, NY
My past summers have been volunteer work, summer camps, and SAT prep. This summer, I was really hoping to have a once-in-a lifetime opportunity of interning as a high schooler at UCSF, conducting my own research, feeling like an actual scientist. But all that has been taken and tossed to the brambles now. So my hope for this summer is that I get to take advantage of the internet and learn computer science. And most important of all, my birthday is in the summer, and yes, my birthday twin is Harry Potter (eeeeeek). I was hoping to celebrate my 17th at the Wizarding World, but the some Muggle virus is on the loose.
— Cheryl Yee, San Francisco, CA
Making lemonade out of lemons
Many of my summers have felt wasted, and this summer was going to be different. I made plans and wanted it to feel like every moment was special. But then the pandemic hit and my plans were crushed. I still had hope that by the time summer came this would all be over, but it didn't seem likely. I began to give up on my dreams for the summer and was about to accept it as another wasted year, but then I realized that we decide how we respond to stumbling blocks. Are we going to stay down when we trip, or are we going to get back up and find a way around the walls life throws at us? Many of my plans will probably be canceled because of the virus, but there are infinitely more plans and ideas that can be made around the limitations life has given us. All it takes is for us to simply keep moving forward.
— Ammon Allred, Layton, Utah
… While summer plans are already getting cancelled, such as vacations, camps, sports, and so many others, we can look forward to what we'll likely be able to do. I look forward to spending time at the pool with my friends, even if it means we have to stay six feet apart. I also look forward to driving around with my friends, even if that means wearing masks in the car. There are ways to make light of difficult situations. These times are sad, frustrating and concerning for the majority of people. However, if other people's lives are relying on me and others to sacrifice a small fraction of mine, I am happy to do so. I am worried for the upcoming months. I am questioning how my senior year will turn out. However, this is the new normal and no one knows for sure how things will turn out in the end.
— Sarah Cashman, Danvers, MA
I think "opening up beaches and pools with social distancing enforced," "keeping parks open," and "opening drive-in movie theaters" are great ideas for how cities can ensure the people can enjoy the summer without an increased risk of spreading COVID-19. Another idea to ensure people enjoy their summer could a series of small festivals, with social distancing enforced, with local vendors and bands.
— Gabriella Gonzalez, Virginia
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What Story Does This Image Inspire for You?
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In our Picture Prompt, "I'm Sorry," we invited students to write the opening of a short story, poem or memoir inspired by this image. No matter what they wrote, it seemed students could relate to the feelings of fear, bravery and relief that come with apologizing.
Three poems
"The Unpredictable Obstacle of Self-Love"
"Hey. I'm sorry."
A start to my never-ending cycle of regret.
"Hey. I'm sorry."
Lackluster acceptances of my anxiety-ridden apologies.
"Hey. I'm sorry."
I'm sorry for staying true to myself even while you tried to oppress my thoughts.
"Hey. I'm sorry."
Endless days of seeing your face and being reminded that I think I'll never be good enough.
"Hey. I'm sorry."
Apologetic for my expression, shameful of my subconscious.
"Hey. I'm sorry."
I wasn't sorry. But he should've been.
— Boshra, DMV
In bed for the past 24 hours
Hating myself
For what I have done
A second of anger leading to minutes of insult
Hurting someone else
And me
Not knowing what to do
I wrap myself with my blanket
Though knowing this will not subdue the pain
I cling to my last hope
Not knowing what to say
Not knowing how to say sorry
Nor do I know what to do
I wrap myself with my blanket
With the world of my friends against me
I try to remind myself
There is always a chance to repent
A chance to ask for forgiveness
A chance to repent
No matter how hard it is
There are things to be done
For me
And for them
I look at my phone and find the number
And start texting
"Hey, I'm sorry"
I press send
My deed done
Now only to wait for the forgiveness upon me
…
"It's okay"
The answer comes
And the guilt in me is thrown away
I wrap myself with my blanket
Now ready to sleep with a peaceful mind
A deed done
And forgiven
This is a deed remembered
— Allison Go, South Korea
Hey, friend.
I'm sorry I didn't recognize you
When you were right in front of me.
I'm sorry I didn't reply
When you smiled right at me.
I'm sorry I didn't realize
Who you were
Until you were my friend
No longer.
I suppose it's about the guilt of removing yourself from toxic relationships; it's difficult to renounce once-golden friendships, but it's important to do so if necessary.
I think it's fun if you replace the word "friend" with other nouns. For example:
Hey, self-doubt.
I'm sorry I didn't recognize you
When you were right in front of me.
I'm sorry I didn't reply
When you smiled right at me.
I'm sorry I didn't realize
Who you were
Until you were my friend
No longer.
— Hillary, Texas, USA
Apologies while in quarantine
Earlier this week, my sister and I got into a pretty big fight. Blinded by my anger, I ended up saying some pretty hurtful things. And while she said rude things too, I had instigated the fight and she was reacting to the problem I created. This image makes me think about how quarantine has forced me to face the consequences of my actions, but more importantly, my words. My sister and I got into a fight over something so trivial, but during the fight, I had said some things I knew would upset her. Since coronavirus is causing us both to have to stay inside, I could not leave the house and elude the inevitable make-up talk forced upon us by our parents, which actually turned to be for the best. I had to see how much what I said hurt her feelings and it made me think twice about how impactful what I say fueled by anger can be. While I am not usually one to apologize, especially first, the texts sent in this GIF remind me about how that has changed over the past few weeks.
— Saarah Rassif, Miami Country Day School, Florida
This picture reminds me of an argument between me and my closest friends. We kept throwing rude messages back at each other and I didn't mean half of it. I felt as though I needed to say the last word and that I couldn't keep up with her rebuttals. We both did the smart decision and turned off our phones. Throughout the year we didn't talk very much but just recently we both apologized and now talk everyday. Without either of us pushing away our differences, we wouldn't be talking right now and I would have lost my closest friend.
Not only is this photo about forgiveness but our new way of communication which is through the phone. Since we've been at home and unable to socialize in public, we have been texting and calling each other instead. Not only do we have more time on our hands but more time to think about our actions. We can choose to do our school work or choose what we want to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Nothing is stopping us from being honest to other and ourselves.
Since we have so much time … Call the person you've been wanting to talk to or even send them a letter. The choice is yours but always choose to be kind.
— Chloe Scatton-Tessier, Hoggard High School in Wilmington, NC
I realize this may come off as cheesy, but I have really been able to find my self worth these last 7 weeks. I've realized that it's okay to put your own happiness above others. It's okay to make yourself a priority. I'm a people pleaser; I just want everyone to be happy and I'd do almost anything to ensure that.
Throughout these last couple months I think I've grown and I'm starting to know when I should step up and be there, or when that might not be the best situation to put myself in. I've also become more confident in whether or not to take the blame for something. Sometimes I just want to apologize for an action or for someone's feelings when, really, I didn't play a part in it. I've said sorry to people that should've been saying sorry to me, and I've said sorry in situations where I told my truth and I really had no reason to apologize.
— Sofia Noonan, Hoggard Highschool Wilmington, NC
The fear of saying "sorry"
I've still haven't made up with a good friend from sixth grade. I always imagine myself picking up my phone and punching the exact words, "Hey, I'm sorry," and hastily pressing send. Laying in bed, I reminisce about the times we enjoyed together, attempting to gather up enough courage to send those words. I know it shouldn't be that hard — I don't even have to say any words! However, pressing a few buttons seems just as daunting. I've imagined what she'd say back: maybe an, "it's ok," or maybe just nothing. Nevertheless, I hope to one day have enough guts to do what the person in the image is doing.
— Emily, North Carolina
Looking back, I can't remember what the argument was about. I've tried, for weeks, to jog my memory for anything that I might've thought was worth fighting about but there's nothing. I do remember the words that I said to her. Hurtful ones that I regretted as soon as they were uttered, but I didn't take them back; didn't even think about doing so. Now I wish I had. I remember the look of betrayal in her eyes at my using those words against her, even after years of friendship and comradery. I remember the words she replied with; all painful and heart-wrenching; deserved. I also remember her rushing away from me, not wanting to be in my presence for a moment longer, only to end up not seeing her for a month and counting.
A high-pitched ring comes from on top of my nightstand, snapping me out of my thoughts. Picking up my phone, I checked to see what the notification was about only to notice it was a text from her. A simple "hey." I open it, quickly typing out a "hey" back. I hesitate, unsure if I should respond, before hitting send. Quickly, not giving her a chance to respond, I type, "I'm sorry …" Anxiously, I wait for her to reply. The three dots on the left side of the screen taunting me. Minutes later, after I thought that she'd ignore my apology, she texts, "It's okay." I sigh, knowing that we'd put behind the argument for now. While we still had to discuss what happened, we needed each other's friendship too much right now to continue arguing over something trivial.
— Laura Arbona, Hoggard High School in Wilmington, NC
Things to Look Forward to When Teenager in High School Funny
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-humor-in-tough-times-expectations-for-summer-2020-and-apologies.html
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