He likes Star Trek -- he even owns one of the uniforms. I watched it on occasion, but it no longer holds my attention. What leisure time I do have is spent with my friends. He has just transferred schools, and does not have many friends yet. Even if he did, where could he possibly go without a car? I drive a 4x4; I can go anywhere.
He is struggling in Geometry; I am becoming proficient in AP Statistics. I excel at translating Vergil's Aeneid for Latin IV. He knows four words of Latin and his name in class is Octavius. Mr. Broadus, a Latin teacher whom he has never heard of, told us it was stupid to have Latin names in class and calls me Mr. McDougall.
He thinks that poetry is for sissies, yet his idol writes it all the time. I am also an avid photographer, but he does not care unless the pictures are of military warplanes. He knows them all stone cold. Ask him anything about any plane, and he'll know it. I once knew the thrust-to-weight ratio of an F-15, but forgot.
He puts this extensive military knowledge to use by building model airplanes, along with a few ships and tanks. I am constantly finding dried up enamel paint bottles in my closet and knocking beat up old World War II planes off of my dresser, sending them kamikaziing to the floor silently. He would attack me, so I just shrug.
He does nothing, avoids sports and does not lead a very active life. He is afraid of girls, while they are some of my best friends. I have a wonderful date for Homecoming, yet he is opting to go to a Dallas Stars game rather than get up the courage to ask a girl on a date. It is a convenient way out for him, and it is a way for him to relive his days of playing roller hockey in that junior high parking lot. I am joining an in-line hockey team this winter and am looking forward to getting back out onto the linoleum. I have tried ice hockey with modest success, but he will not join me because he is afraid he will embarrass himself.
I have gained significant work experience over the past year, including writing PC game reviews for "The Dallas Morning News" and interning in Brinker International's Information Technologies Department. He spends a small fortune every month on America Online and goes out to dinner when his parents take him. Applying for a job scares him. And besides, he could not drive there.
My experience at Greenhill School has changed me significantly over the past three years. I am not particularly proud of the person I was as a freshman, but I believe that being who I was has instilled in me a sense of appreciation for who I am now. If three years can do so much, I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
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