LIZZY WARNER
Gargoyle assistant editor
Posted Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008

MY RELATIONSHIP WITH Agora Days always seems to be complicated.

Subbie year I was excited about how wonderful and funny and interesting Agora Days would be, but when it actually came time for classes I was blessed with a schedule consisting of courses such as Certamen I, which was a class for students taking Latin — and I was in French.

In essence, I had a very academic-based schedule, completely crushing my hopes for having a week off from school.

As the years went on, though, I gradually got happier and happier with the schedule I received, but no matter what, come mid-week I still wanted out.

I think Agora Week is possibly the best thing ever, and I anticipate it every year as school nears this time of year. I feel like I need a break! But then when I get it, I feel like all I really want is school to just be out for a week. No matter what you have, you always want more.

I'm not saying that I don't enjoy my classes. I should obviously be happy that I'm finally getting into some of my first-choice classes.

I have 10-minute passing periods, which give me enough time to gather my things from third floor and casually make my way to first floor (to put my things in my locker), and walk back upstairs without feeling like I just got out of fitness class.

I don't hear my stomach grumble in the middle of the day for food, because I'm able to have a lunch period as well as cooking classes.

It's amazing! During my free periods I have actually caught up with all the college prep stuff that I need to get done.

What a difference from my usual routine, when I will typically go home after school, shovel down dinner, and then lock myself in my room until midnight in an attempt to finish homework.

But instead this week I'm actually able to go home and get a good night's rest without feeling totally dead for my 6 a.m. track practice. It's really nice.

While sitting in my classes, though, it never fails that I still hear complaints from the people around me (and some times myself included). This break is nice, but why can't we just not come to school? Why can't we just have the entire week off instead?

"I'm tired!" people complain.

"I never see my friends during the day!" or "I have to be in a class filled entirely of sophomores!" say others.

We've had a taste of the good life, and now all we can think about is wanting more and more. We complain about all the homework due the next week, but we go home and opt to watch TV instead of cracking open those textbooks.

I don't know what to think of Agora! I love it, but every year it comes, I just can't help but wanting more.