The other day, I was absolutely devastated when I bit into my Reese's and discovered there was no peanut butter. I don't know what happened during the fabrication of my chocolatey-goodness, but whatever it was, it better not happen again. Writing the company is definitely on the top of my to-do list, and I plan on getting some major discounts on my next chocolate shopping trip.
Yesterday, I was in half asleep in Spanish when I found out the teacher was handing out our average grade for the past 3 months of classes. Every grade is scored out of 20, and I was kind of shocked to hear that I received a 12.3. I know that doesn't sound like anything extraordinary, but it was actually higher than most people in the class. I think the teachers might have scored me higher so I didn't bring down the class average or something considering I haven't turned in one homework assignment all year. (Actually, that's a bit of an exaggeration: I turned in one homework assignment for my Spanish teacher back in November, but that's only because I had done the same assignment last year in French class and I had it saved on my computer.)
Now that I mention grades, let me just state another difference between high school in France vs. high school in America: there is absolutely no grade inflation here. At all. It's practically impossible to receive a 20 for an exam; I've only seen it happen once. 13 is considered a good grade, and it's not often that people get scored much higher. The first time I saw the teacher hand out test scores, I was surprised by how low they were. Then again, I'm the person who cried in the bathroom after receiving a 97 on a math test sophomore year because I incorrectly multiplied 8 x 8. (Trust me - crying in the bathroom was a one time occurrence and definitely a low point for me.) However, now that I've thought about it, this "no grade inflation thing" is how school really should be. It was so easy to get high grades at NHS, and there were about a bazillion students on the high honor roll, which is kind of ridiculous. A student should have to work really hard to receive a high grade, and since no one's perfect, near to perfect scores probably shouldn't be a regular occurrence.
Another fun fact for you all: I just discovered my class has a pair of twin boys. I was actually kind of embarrassed because I've been with the same group of 25 students for the past 3 months, and I just realized this yesterday. I don't know if I thought they were the same person or something, but I when I noticed the two of them sitting in front of me yesterday, I finally noticed the same exact faces and I came to my senses. I still don't know their names, but at least now I know there's two of them.
Last night, I went to a chorus rehearsal. I don't know if it's just me, but Friday night is a terrible time to have a choir practice. Friday is a day where most people should be partying, and I should be in my pajamas eating food and watching movies. Choir rehearsal from 8-11 isn't exactly my preferable way of spending the beginning of the weekend, but it was still kind of fun. The choir is singing three songs - one of which was composed by the members. I was expecting classical, churchy like pieces, but this is exactly opposite. The link below describes perfectly what I'm trying to say (this is the song the choir composed). Warning: this may shock some of you, and it perfectly describes the often bizarre French culture -
<http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xlgwqf_la-40eme-symphonie-de-mozart-la-clef-des-chants-de-privas_music>
Another song we're singing is the Lion Sleeps Tonight. I'm sure you all know it, but we're singing it in French, and the lyrics are absolutely morbid. Here's a small translation: In the jungle, the terrible jungle the lion died tonight. Poor lion :( Otherwise, it was good, and I'll probably be back again. That's all for now; I only have 3 more days of school before I leave for Germany on Christmas break so I'm pretty happy. Sure I'll have lots more stories to tell when that rolls around.
The video makes a convention of clowns seems pretty tame in comparison. But what is bizarre to us can be perfectly acceptable to your new culture. Prepare yourself for the eventuality that at some point, a chorus member will approach you with a costume and say, "Let's make a video!"
ReplyDeleteOh dear! Truly a convergence of nightmarish fears and bizarre visuals. The clowns of Lyon seem tame in comparison. And just think you can experience this every Friday night.
ReplyDeleteAs for grades I must agree. Growing up in Canada where a 75 or higher was an A and not many got those I have to say few were under the impression that they knew everything and deserved better. There is definitely a serious problem when more than half the students are on the honor roles and teachers are instructed to pass everyone to make things look good. It undermines the work ethic like nothing else. Have fun in Germany!~
Stop. Stop it right now. I haven't bought any plane tickets to France yet, missy, and if I will in any way be subjected to that type of behavior, I won't come, I tell you, I won't come! Cheese and chocolate: encouraged; being confused while everyone else speaks French: expected; musical radioactive mime-types skipping about: absolutely prohibited. PROHIBITED!!
ReplyDeleteAnd what meaneth you by "no one is perfect?" It's like my whole world is turning upside down!! Just kidding. And I agree, I would much prefer if we only had to share the honor roll with each other :)