Don't judge a book by its cover

"When I first got assigned to this school, I had mixed emotions because of all the rumors about LHS being a ghetto school and a school full of gangsters. However, as I taught in this school, I noticed that everyone treated each other equally and the students with special needs are not neglected," said Joe Flood, a PE teacher at Lindhurst High School.

Lindhurst had been viewed badly throughout the years, and due to this, students felt like giving up because whatever they do well in, there are no positive reactions. How can we influence the students to continue striving?

Students at Lindhurst should use all the negative comments and put-downs as motivation to break these assumptions of others and stop being looked down upon. Lindhurst is not a bad school. Students should highlight all the good things at LHS and not dwell on the rumors.

"In spite of the low resources given to this school, the teachers and staff work diligently and to their farthest extent to give their students a proper education," said LHS senior Robert Ontiveros.

"Being at Lindhurst is like being in a unique community where everyone gets along with each other despite our differences — and not every high school is blessed with such a trait. This is why I choose Lindhurst over any other high school," Robert added.

Although Lindhurst may not contain the students with the highest test scores or the best athletes, we have students who are kind, understanding and hard-working.

I walk around school and see a student holding the door open for everyone before he or she goes into the class. Inside the library, there are study groups who aid each other with homework. There are groups who play cards or read or casually hang out.

The library is like a melting pot where everyone is welcomed. I also see students who try their best in improving their understanding. Whenever tutoring is available, I often see at least 14 to 20 students staying after school for tutoring. LHS students are like any other school's students, and they are eager to learn.

Lindhurst also has teachers who are very considerate and caring. Most teachers don't get paid extra for staying after school to help their students. Many teachers at LHS commute to Olivehurst from Grass Valley or Chico. Even knowing fully well about the hourlong drive back home without extra pay, teachers are willing to stay to help as tutors, coaches or chaperones. I greatly respect them for their time and consideration.

The physical appearance of our school may not look the most appealing and inviting; however, like the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover." We may look rough, and some may even say that we are not going anywhere in life, but I beg to differ. I see a very promising future for my peers and myself.

Marisa Vang is a senior at Lindhurst High School. Her column appears every six weeks in Education.