In elementary school, I was in the gifted program, and there was only one gifted class per grade. So, I basically had the same people in my class for four years.

I like to think that I know my classmates pretty well. But apparently I don't.

Remember subbie year? Bliss. Innocence. We were totally naïve. This is my fourth year at Uni, and there is no doubt that I've noticed changes in my classmates. Some huge things that people seemed to have discovered over this past summer are alcohol and drugs.

Next hour I will endure the last test of first quarter. Whew.

This week was very trying, with four tests and two quizzes on Monday and Tuesday, and the PSAT following them on Wednesday. All of this with the quarter ending on Friday — I didn't know if I could possibly make it.

During my years at Uni High I have suffered more academic pain than I would have ever chosen to inflict upon myself.

I love mash-ups. Those hybrid songs that are a colorful quilt of two or more songs all mixed to make one, unique track, own not only a home, but a whole Hilton in my heart.