George Mason High School - Mustang Yearbook (Falls Church, VA)

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- Individual involvement rather than apathetic entrapment: the result of a metamorphasis of attitudes and social change. The evolution of the curricu- lum through the reorganization of time, of courses, of subject matter, of meth- ods, caused a trend of intellectual acti- vism. The beginning of an era of shiny paperbacks, seminar discussions, and individual participation— to be heard as well as to hear, and to influence as well as to be influenced. A new spirit of confidence im- planted itself in students as they saw a positive reception awaiting their ideas. The experience of staying after class to debate, resolve, and debate again; being in awe of your capabilities, yet realiz- ing your limitations. The frustration of mind-expansion that creates spaces to be filled. Tomorrow. Students satisfied personal goals by contributing to the school: typing copy in a silent building, competing in a foreign language contest, rehearsing in an empty gym, practicing on a slip- pery field. Today. 4

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The same halls in perspective, the same sounds of shuffling feet, the same sights of dust shifting in sun-light; the same places— the library lobby, the art room, pep rallies, and gym class. An assortment of bodies collected indis- criminately-bound to the system whether they like it or not. But liking it. Contributing without thinking of it. Capturing grades for the privilege of independent study, of signing out for lunch. Competing for the success, the satisfaction. Dropping out of the crowd and making new friends, learning new ideas. Each student doing his own thing, inadvertantly or intentionally perpetu- ating the group effort. 3

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