We are recounting her many experiences she had during her month-long adventure on two organic farms in the Northwest region of Argentina in the fall of 2008.

Lindsay was there through a unique program known as WWOOF; World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.  It’s an organization which matches up organic farms with potential volunteers. The volunteers then work on the farms in exchange for food and board.

WWOOF is an umbrella organization with branches in over 50 counties around the globe. Each branch has a list of available farms which WWOOFers can access by paying a small fee to a specific country in exchange for a farmers’ contact information.

The WWOOF website describes WWOOFers as people who “need a genuine interest in learning about organic growing, country living or ecologically sound lifestyles” and must “help their hosts with daily tasks for an agreed number of hours.”

Needless to say, there are a lot of factors that go into deciding whether or not to WWOOF.

“First you need to do some preliminary introspection,” says Lindsay. She notes that living in group situations and giving up personal space are two very big parts of the experience that WWOOFers have to be okay with. They also need to know what type of farm they want to work on and whether they want to work for farmers with kids or ones living by themselves.

“Personally, I was looking for the cheapest way to travel and live in another country,” said Lindsay.  “I also wanted the experience of manual labor. I wanted a different kind of work than what I’d done in High School and what I was going to do in college.”

Reasons such as this have been the driving force behind WWOOFing for thirty years. WWOOF, which orginially stood for Working Weekend on Organic Farms, was started in England in fall of 1971 by Sue Coppard.

Coppard wanted to create a link between city-dwellers with little access to the countryside, and the organic farms located in the neighboring countryside.  The first weekend consisted of four people working on a bio-dynamic farm at Emerson College in Sussex. The movement exploded from there.

Farms all have distinct schedules for WWOOFers.  Lindsay says her days varied, beginning between 7 and 8 AM with breakfast at the volunteer house.

The volunteer house Lindsay stayed at was built dorm-style by the volunteers, with close living quarters and limited kitchen space.

“And a little bit dirty,” adds Lindsay.

After breakfast, the WWOOFers would then check in with the farmers to see what needed to be accomplished that day.

Throughout her month-long stay, Lindsay did everything from milking goats, to mulching, to planting berry bushes, to watering to transplanting trees.

The day was broken up by a long lunch followed by a siesta. Then it was back to work until dark, with dinner coming around 8PM.

Lunch and dinner were both usually eaten with the WWOOF host farmers and the WWOOF volunteers.

The impacts of WWOOFing outside of a personal level are debatable.  Some governments view WWOOFing as a “clandestine migrant worker organization” according to the wwoof.org. Lindsay herself wonders if WWOOFing prevents farmers from paying local workers and reinvesting in their towns.

Yet the positive outcomes are clear.  Newsletters produced by WWOOF organizations provide organic job listings, trainings, news and views, educating the public on organic consumption.  On a personal level, WWOOF seeks to fundamentally change the lives of those involved through exposure to organic farming.

When asked what her favorite memories from her time WWOOFing are, Lindsay rattles off aspects of her trip; living with such a multifaceted group of people, the challenge of learning Spanish, teaching children from local schools about farming and then baking little bread balls with them. It is undeniable that the experience has helped shaped her life.

“You have to have no expectations for it,” says Lindsay. “Whatever happens, it’ll be an adventure.”

MMRI notes that in the past month, usage of the black, stretchy pants has dropped to only one in fifty girls, significantly lower than previous estimates of one in fifteen girls.  This is not taking into account wear during AP and finals weeks which is, of course, exponentially higher.

The pants, categorized by the ever reliable Urban Dictionary as “pants that make anyone look like they have an ass,” were once a staple of many Garfield girls’ attire.

“Yoga pants are the single greatest development in the fashion industry since the pushup bra,” proclaims Garfield junior Crawford Cunningham. His sentiments were echoed in far less printable terms by numerous other Garfield male students who will remain self-respectably annonymous.

Yet some unknown factor seems to be causing a disturbance in usage levels.  Fashion epiphanies are cited as a likely cause.

“Yoga Pants are sweatpants and anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves,” says Garfield senior Catherine Palmer. “You don’t look ‘cute’, you are wearing sweatpants.”

“They are a little expensive for how long they stay nice and I like to dress a little fancy so I don’t usually wear them but they are damn comfy!” states Garfield senior Catherine Berner.

While these SGs knock the fashion appeal of the pants, other sources have taken a firmer view on the appropriateness (or lack there of) of yoga pants.

Notes junior Arina Abbott, “A guy recently asked me if girls just wear them to show off.”

This is the primary concern of the our own Garfield High School Administration.

Longtime champions of eliminating the pants, the GHS administration seems happy with these new statistics.  They have for years looked down on the pants as “not suitable for the workplace” and “distracting.”

Unfortunately, Ms. Woods is not here to see her copious efforts to dislodge the pants from the daily clothing circuit come to fruition. However, rumors of a mystery undercover administrator, busting yoga pant-wearing girls have surfaced, so beware the 5-foot-3 impostor student.

To be honest, fear over the recent drops in yoga pants wear seems premature.

Whether you rock the scrub look, need the appearance of a little extra junk in the trunk, or simply appreciate the simplicity of yoga pants, their decline seems short-lived if not completely made up.

As sophomore Gideon McGrew-Keller says, “Everyone wins with yoga pants.”

K2, which goes by many names including spice, genie and blaze, is a blend of herbs and spices that are sprayed with a synthetic substance that mimics THC.  It is made in Asia and sold in 3 gram bags for $30-$40 online or in tobacco shops.

Created in 1995 by John H Huffman, a chemistry professor researching the affects of the active compound in Marijuana, the long-term effects of K2 as well as reasons for commonly reported side effects including increased blood pressure and heart palpitations are unknown.

In September, Huffman told the Associated Press that K2 users are “idiots” and when asked about his thoughts on the proposed bans he said “It’s not going to be effective, is the ban on Marijuana effective?”

Newsweek took a different spin, proclaiming that other newspapers and TV Stations are “running sensationalist stories about the dangers of K2.”

The reason for these conflicting views is that the affects of K2 are widely unknown. St. Louis University (SLU) toxicology professor Dr. Anthony J Scalzo, has been leading research on K2 for the past year. He initially became involved when thirty students, worried about their symptoms after using K2, came to him for his expertise in toxicology in February of 2010.

Like Huffman, Scalzo noted elevated heart rates and blood pressures. On top of that, Scalzo saw students with vomiting, severe agitation and occasionally tremors and seizures.  These symptoms do not correlate with a compound that’s supposed to mimic the calming effects of Marijuana.

“These toxic chemicals are neither natural nor safe,” Scalzo told a SLU student in March, 2010.

This hasn’t stopped people from using K2. In June 2010, David Rozga, an 18-year-old boy from Indianola Iowa had a K2 induced panic attack, told his friends he was “going to hell”, and committed suicide.

Similar stories of deaths and near deaths have brought K2 into the spotlight nationally. Internet forums are abuzz with discussion over the implications of the drug, many questioning the responses of those with bad reactions to the drug. As one Springfield MO resident noted “You smoked something to get high. You got really high. Now you want to make it illegal. You are an idiot.”

Another Springfield Mo resident pointed out “being blind to it doesn’t make it go away.”

Although previously secluded to the Midwest, K2 has cropped up across the country. It made breaking news around Seattle on December 17, 2010 when Travis Lipski, admitted to being high on K2 after slumping over his steering wheel and hitting three pedestrians at Pike Place Market.

“K2 sold left and right; the best were supernova and nola gold” says a Choice Tobacco Smoke Shop, located on Broadway Avenue, employee. “But it was outlawed by the feds.”

On November 24, 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released a Notice of Intent to ban the five major synthetic compounds used in K2, filing them as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. This would ban K2 for one year pending research on the drug’s effects.  Although two corrections were made to the November 24th proposal on January 7, 2011, no final rule has been enacted by the DEA. This has caused confusion as typically the DEA presents a final rule 30 days following the Notice of Intent.

Although the DEA has been slow to act, state legislatures have been rapidly banning various strands of K2. Kansas was the first of 13 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and Tennessee to ban the substance in 2010. The US Military also banned consumption of K2, even limiting tobacco stores active members are allowed to enter.

Of course, strands of K2 are evolving so quickly that a new legal compound is manufactured and sold almost as quickly as old ones are made illegal. As Kevin Bay, a smoke shop owner from Missouri told the Associated Press, “You can’t prohibit something that hasn’t been invented yet.”

Plus, as most smoke shop owners will tell you, they’ve got a few more packages lying around.

The Administration:

Now: Ms. Rascon’s replacement not only smiles but also gives out candy. Mr. Howard is finally cracking down on someone other than the students. Unfortunately, that means incompetent teachers are now handing out loads of busy work.

Then: Mike Shope, a 2000 graduate, remembers “friendly people who you really didn’t get to know very well unless you were in trouble for something and had to go to the office for some “bad reason.” His grade also had four principals in four years. One slept with a cheerleader and eloped with her to the Carolina’s. One always referred to himself in the third person (Dr. Charlie Walter the Third). One couldn’t stop talking over the PA system.

Assemblies:

Now: Love for the traditions, especially Y-E-L-L, and the men’s swim team presentation, as well as the inspirational body builders.

Then: Botler says, “I loved the assemblies!” Shope fondly remembers  the “Christian muscle builder guys who would smash bricks and rip apart phone books with their hands in between motivational stories about life.”  Sounds very familiar…

SmokeStack:

Now: A sight witnessed only by the senior class (shout out to ‘08’s pranking ability) and those with older siblings. The smokestack was a brick chimney that was part of the Garfield that got demolished and stood at approximately 100 feet tall. A classic Senior prank, one that can never be topped by ‘10’s rootbeer keg on Alder or their garden in Mr. Howard’s parking spot.

Then: A tradition for the senior class to paint the smokestack with their graduation year. Aside from being a difficult feat, it was also illegal and against school rules. Shope was one of the select few creative enough to get up. “Some ‘00 friends and I shamed the seniors quite well by putting our own class year up on the stack a day before the ‘99 graduation day” says Shope.  “Nobody died or went to jail and the whole thing was an epic success. There were a lot of ‘99 students swearing to beat up whoever it was that did it so we all felt like secret agents trying to keep our identities from being discovered.”  Botler laments, “I never knew how to get up there but I was proud of my grade for doing it.”

Dances:

Now: Easily some of the most anticipated events put on by Garfield.  Despite administrative limitations on dancing and questionable control of those perceived to be drunk, dances continue to crack.

Then: “I felt like everytime we were turning around there was a dance,” says Botler. “It was all the booty-grind in the dark thing. As a freshman you’re like ‘Yaaaay, someone’s grinding on me’ and as a sophomore you’re like ‘yaaay someone’s grinding on me’ and that second one’s a lot lower because your voice drops.”

Fights:

Now: An illicit activity never engaged in by Garfield students. Just as foreign and mystical as the illustrious events known as “kegs.”

Then: Garfield had its own boxing club that began on the concrete of Alder. Botler remembers “One of the security guards caught wind of it and he started coming to the rumbles and holding them in the field just down by Garfield Community center.” That’s what’s good.

Bulldogs, take this to heart: in a changing climate, change isn’t always a bad thing.

“Assemblies were fun, though I think they were fairly tame compared to how crazy thing’s were back in the 80’s when my brother was at GHS,” says Shope.

There’s always been some longing for the past. So just take a second, look around, and appreciate what the graduates of 2020 will be lusting over.

At least we don’t go to Roosevelt.

A smile spread across my face and my day became instantly better. I know, I sound like a melodramatic 13-year-old but snow always makes me happy.

First off, just look at it. Fresh snow is pristine. It blankets the earth, hiding your neighbor’s ugly lawn, the scratch you put in your neighbor’s car that one night, and that hideous abomination of a house that sits halfway down the block. Snow simply makes everything more beautiful.

Snow is equally enchanting as it falls. I’m hypnotized as I watch the snowflakes dance down across the windows, chasing each other towards the snowy banks below. The rhythm with which they drift to the ground is peaceful and leaves me in a ponderous state.

Inevitably this leads to memories of snowballs to the face, sledding bruises and lost skiing adventures. It’s impossible to reminisce without fondly recalling all of the jokes I’ve laughed at and chuckling at my past misfortunes.

After a sequence of blasts to the past, it’s time to get out and make some new memories. I’m a girl of tradition so I firmly believe in the customary snowball to the face. That’s my face, just to clarify. It’s also customary to return the favor. As my mother always said, treat others the way you want to be treated.

For the recipient of said snowball, look no farther than down the block. This is by far my favorite part of snow days, you kick it with the people you live near.

Don’t get me wrong, I love all my friends from every hood, but there’s something about walking everywhere for three days that just makes me smile. This is an especially momentous declaration as I live in the northend. Epiphany: northend kids are cool too.

Once the crew has been gathered, enjoyment of the classics begins. Often times repetitive activities are boring, but one of my favorite things about snow is that every snow day is met with similar activities, regardless of age, gender or any other such category. We all get to attack the day as our five-year-old selves would.

Snow men, snowball fights, and sled races are the universal methods for facing the white stuff. I always arm myself with brightly colored basics (hat, glove, etc) to prevent that five-year-old two blocks over from stealing my new gear. Maybe my neighbors are less amicable than most.

At the end of a day decorated with snow, a warm house, hot shower, blanket and pair of smart wools are unbeatable.

Warmth is closely followed by food on my list of top desirables after a long day out in the snow. The staples include soup, cookies, and hot cocoa, all of which I am happy to devour through the snowy weather. Or, if I’m being completely honest, any day really.

I will say, I had the best split pea soup I’ve ever had on day one of the Seattle snow. It was the beginning of easily the best series of snowdays I’ve ever had. I channeled my inner child and enjoyed every moment of them.

Before Monday afternoon, I can’t remember the last time I kicked it exclusively with the carpool crew, threw as many snowballs, laughed as much, broke as many sleds (three, for the record) or felt as worn out from simply living life. Now, the snow is nothing more than a fond memory, but I know I will be reliving the past, because hey, it felt darn good to be five again.

The Seattle Student Senate, previously known as the Inter-High Council, consists of two to four representatives from each of Seattle’s Public Schools. They meet on the second Wednesday of every month to discuss issues facing their respective schools then discuss ways of collaborating towards a common goal. Their findings are later reported to the Seattle Public School Board by the Senate’s President.

“The two main issues that we’re focusing currently on are commercialism and sponsorship,” says Choi.

This comes as little surprise to Seattle Public School students who know firsthand that money is tight. For ASBs, this means finding ways to raise funds to cover the costs of putting on dances, supporting special programs and backing clubs.

“A couple years ago, the Board was very anti-corporation so they kicked vending out of schools and they don’t allow sports teams to be sponsored for free uniforms, gear and such,” says Chara Lynch, Garfield ASB Treasurer and Senate Vice President.

The money lost from vending, estimated at Roosevelt High School to be between $50,000 and $60,000, has put ASB’s across the district in a very difficult position.

“It’s hitting us pretty hard,” says Lynch. “The Board promised to give High School’s a way to make money but they haven’t.”

The Senate hopes to increase the income allotted to ASB’s and is creating a presentation that documents the effects of cutbacks on schools and presents solutions to recover cut funds.

Meetings are mediated and presided over by Choi, with help from Lynch.  Activity coordinators from the schools,  help structure meetings. As President and Vice President, Choi and Lynch are also responsible for reporting the Senate’s findings to the Seattle School Board.

While regaining funding is still in the beginning stages, with Choi and Lynch leading the charge, success seems inevitable.  Yet the pair has bigger visions for the Seattle Student Senate.

“I see the council being the students’ voice to the Board,” says Lynch.  “A chance to give the students a true voice.”

“The adults set the rules of how our schools should be run,” says Choi, “but the students have a right to voice their opinions on how things are and their desires to see improvements.”

So Garfield speak away, Choi and Lynch are listening.

To parents around the United States: rejoice, a new study shows your efforts have not been in vain.

The National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, designed by researchers at Indiana University’s School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, was released October 1, 2010.

Since it was released, the survey has been hailed as the most comprehensive of sexual health and behavior in the United States to date, collecting data from nearly 6,000 individuals.

Dr. J. Dennis Fortenberry, coauthor of the NSSHB, noted that contrary to popular studies, “adolescents are being responsible by abstaining, or by using condoms when having sex.”

In fact, data presented by the NSSHB on almost 3,500 individuals shows that the age range with the highest percent of condom use is 14–17 year olds, with boys in this range representing the highest percentage users at a respectable 79.1 percent.

While these facts are encouraging, data from a 2009 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed adolescent girls ages 15–19 had the highest number of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea cases.

Paired with the whopping 6.4 million unplanned pregnancies cited by the NSSHB in the United States each year, it is clear that there is still work to be done.

“We have both a moral and ethical responsibility to protect all children and adolescents in our community,”  says M. Joycelyn Elders, former Surgeon General of the United States, in an article for the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

“We cannot withhold information from children, adolescents, or adults, live in silence about this taboo subject and expect everything to turn out all right. We’ve tried ignorance and it does not work.”

The study, funded by Church & Dwight Co. Inc., makers of Trojan Condoms, concluded from data on teenage sexual behavior that “condom use appears to have become a normative behavior for many adolescents.”

There is definitely still room for improvement, but to parents, health practitioners, and sexual education teachers: congratulations on raising the most sexually educated and responsible children to date.

That brought my full attention into the front of the classroom.

First off, “illegals” isn’t even a word.  Check it on your computer—see that red squiggly?—it means that it’s not in the dictionary. Tacking illegal onto words such as immigrant or worker is equally offensive―“undocumented citizens” is the most politically correct term.

My initial shock grew as I realized that someone in that classroom might very well be undocumented. That student would be  one of an estimated 2 million children living in the United States without papers. Every one of them qualifies for public education, as determined in the 1982 Supreme Court case Plyer vs. Doe.

However, this ruling doesn’t extend to college students. Without legal documentation, the chances are slim that these students are able to receive scholarships, let alone admittance to universities around the country. With no clear path to citizenship, these students are unable to rectify their situation and move on with their lives.

This situation is unfair for a number of reasons. Many of these people had no control over their early lives when the decisions to immigrate were made. Yes, we’ve all been told since childhood that life isn’t fair, but as citizens of the world, it is our duty to recognize fundamental problems within our communities and change them.

Some will oppose immigration reform on the basis of ignorance and misinformation. To all opponents out there who believe that undocumented immigrants are taking jobs and not paying taxes: you need to get your facts straight.

United States Labor Department estimates indicate that in the next ten years there will be a 12 million job surplus in the unskilled labor workforce.  Undocumented immigrants clearly are not stealing the jobs of anyone; they’re only working extra jobs that need to be done.

The Social Security Administration estimates that undocumented citizens have contributed $57.8 billion to Social Security that they will never be able to collect a return on. Undocumented citizens automatically have taxes deducted from their pay and are required to pay sales tax just like every other Washington State resident.

Whatever your personal and political views on the topic are, it is undeniable that a new system is needed. An estimated 12 million people, about 20 times the population of Seattle, are currently living without proper documentation in the United States.

The sheer magnitude of this number indicates a need for intervention and reform.

Unfortunately for everyone of voting age, November’s General Election for Washington State presents no initiative outlet to voice outrage at the current immigration system. The only way to further such a cause through the government is by electing and re-electing leaders to office who understand the dire need for reform.

Three generations ago, my ancestors came to America chasing the American Dream. Here I stand, 100 years later, imploring all of those who can vote to provide an outlet for those without papers to chase their version of the American dream too. After all, the lives and livelihoods of 12 million people depend on it.

Katie Trettenero: So, you’re new to Garfield.

Margit Moore: Yes, I am.  Actually, I was at Garfield when I was in High School as part of a student exchange.  There were, I think, 12–14 students that came from the Bellevue School district to spend their time at Garfield. And then the Garfield students came and spent time at Newport.  So back in ‘73 I probably spent two weeks here.

KT:  What did you think of Garfield back then?

MM: Well, the inside of the building was quite different. Still, it’s a very impressive building and a very impressive school in general.

KT: Have you noticed a lot of differences since your time here

MM: Yes, I would say so. I think it’s close to the same demographic as it was at that time, but it feels a little more inner-city now. I would say it was a great experience overall.

KT: How did you first get interested in becoming an administrator?

MM: I always thought that I would never become an administrator, but when I was working at Interlake High School, I was the international baccalaureate coordinator.  So I worked with 26 teachers on the curriculum and on making sure that courses were integrated. I was also able to help with some fundraising things to build a school in East Timor. I thought, “Wow, this working with the teachers is a lot of fun too, and if I can help teachers be the best teachers they can, I can have an impact on a lot more students.” I would be able to help more than just those students in my own classes.

KT: What drew you to Garfield?

MM: My last experience as an assistant principal was in a school that was largely high-income; I think it had the highest per-household income in the state of Washington, a demographic that was not what I was seeking. So Garfield offered something different from my past experience as a student, teacher, and I.B. coordinator. I really wanted to get back to doing something that had a different feel, something that felt like the real world. For that reason, I’m very happy to be here. I like the way it feels inside the school.

KT:  What’s your favorite part about Garfield?

MM: It’s the way that kids talk to each other in the hallways. I’ve found it to be particularly appropriate and civil, which is really nice to see.

KT: What would you like to improve about Garfield?

MM: Oh gosh, it’s too soon for me to say.  I’m just at the point right now where I’m learning about how the school works.

KT:  What is your favorite part about being an administrator?

MM: My favorite part is probably working with teachers to help them become the best teachers they can be, which is something that they want and that I want too. I like to think of us as a team working towards a common goal.

KT: What exactly are your administrating duties here at Garfield?

MM: Well, I have a chunk of the alphabet of students, so I have students with last names starting with H through N. I’m going to be in charge of safety stuff… let me grab my little cheat sheet here.
I will work on graduation, we all work on that a little. I’ll be working with the fire department and police on safety measures to make sure  that drills go well and that we’re prepared.  I supervise three departments: language arts, ELL, and special education. Those are all things that I’ve taught before, and I have a particular interest in those subjects.

KT:  What is something that Garfield students know about you?

MM: I think they should know that I try to be fair to all kids and that I believe that it’s in the best interest of students to have high expectations for themselves, academically, socially, behaviorally, and culturally.

KT:  What are your views on the Garfield high school dress code?

MM: My views on the dress code… my sense of a dress code is that our job is to teach you the things that are going to be useful for you, whether you leave college, or whether you go work, or whatever. That includes how to transition from Garfield into other environments. So, since school is your “work” right now, it makes sense that you should dress appropriately for a casual kind of work space so you understand what that looks like. That way you don’t go to apply for a job wearing something that’s really inappropriate and loses you the job. It’s just part of the academic piece; it’s to prepare you for what comes next.

KT:  Is there anything else you want to share with Garfield students?

MM: I’m just very happy to be here and I’m really excited to work with the other administrators, particularly with Mr. Howard.

KT:  Well, it sounds like the start to a good year, I’ve heard only good things about you.

MM: (laughs) I forgot, last week was Skittles, this week will be M&Ms, and next week will probably be Reese’s Pieces.

KT:  Skittles, that’s an interesting choice.

MM: Very true. I got Skittles the other day because Skittles are one of the few things that I don’t usually eat, and it’s really hard for me to find candy that I don’t eat myself. The other night I was really hungry and I started eating Skittles, so I’m already partway through a bag.  So, apparently I’m willing to branch out and eat things I haven’t eaten in the past, given that I’m hungry enough.

KT:  Is passing out candy a tradition of yours?

MM: I used pass out candy when I was teaching in the classroom. It’s just to celebrate the end of a long week and the fact that we all made it through.

KT:  Well, it was very nice to meet you.

MM: Yes, nice meeting you as well.  Thanks for being so patient.

KT:  No problem at all, you have a crazy job.

MM: This is true.

But nine girls were searching for something out of the ordinary, something that would make this night a night to remember. So they did what any adventure seeker would do; they went to Club K-Town, the Eastside’s only 21-and-under club.

Now, before you drive half an hour to the Eastside and spend eight of your well-earned dollars to bump and grind the night away, review these steps to maximize your night’s potential.

Girls, start your primping as early as possible.  If you’re looking to fit in, keep in mind that this is the Eastside.  Dig out your smallest booty shorts and most body-hugging dresses, and layer on that eyeliner. As a rule of thumb, spend at least double the time getting ready that you did before Winterball last year. If you’re not looking to fit in I recommend fur overalls and a neon pink T-shirt. For boys, toss on a selective college shirt — it’ll make you appear almost classy. A note to both sexes: wear deodorant. Please.

Once you’re looking fresh and smelling good, it’s time for the car pump up. Blast T-Swift, Trey Songz, or whoever gets your dance moves flowing. If it’s loud enough, you’ll go temporarily deaf. Then when that unattractive girl or grimy guy asks you to dance, you can honestly shout, “I can’t hear you!” and be free to enjoy your night.

Also use the car time to develop a S.O.S sign so that your frinds can quickly intervene in case that cutie disappoints with freshman year moves.  I’d recommend the fist pump if you’re looking for subtlety, or just flap your arms and caw like a bird. Your friends probably won’t need to intervene if you use the latter.

After arriving sufficiently prepped, it’s time for the grand entrance. To quote one of the girls I went with, “We pretty much ruled the club.”

The key is to walk in like you own it.  Do a quick lap, denying any desperate guys around the edges. Walk straight to the center of the dance floor and gig with your girls, observing the guys to see if any are worthy dance partners.  If you’re a guy it’s a little trickier considering that the odds are at least five guys to every girl. I’d recommend bringing your own girls.

Perhaps most important is timing the departure. Yes, you paid eight dollars, but the fastest way to ruin a night is to overstay the fun. You don’t want to stay long enough to have your experience marred by a shortage of good music, the go-go dancer’s lack of rhythm, or the numerous people hooking up on the dance floor.

Last, but not least, take the night for what it is. There are moments reminiscent of the ever-popular, city-wide dances, particularly the scantily clad and most likely intoxicated girls. I had a few flashbacks to various dances with guys from freshman year who clearly had no idea what they were doing.

In the end, just laugh about it.  We laughed on the dance floor, in the bathrooms, as we were talking to two Renton guys about how our basketball team had beaten theirs, in the car, on our way in, and on our way out.

“We had lots of laughs, which is always the sign of a good night,” says senior Maddie Lee.

And while we don’t all agree about going back, nine out of nine of us considered our night at Club K-Town to be a success. Can’t do better than that.