Fun & Games

to wait until September to move into their spot in the Commons, or can we do it now? I’m not going to lie, that corner’s looking pretty tempting. Is there some kind of unspoken rule we should be aware of?

Sincerely, A Bunch of Eager Juniors

Dear Juniors,

I remember this confusion like it was yesterday! It’s tough, because there’s no rule book or any guide to these types of things, and everyone’s just expected to know their place. I mean, if you guys move into the spot, you might get some shade, but nothing major. Technically, we won’t be sitting there anymore anyway. The shade will just come from a place of jealousy, because most of us wish we could travel back in time and experience senior year all over again. Don’t take it for granted and enjoy the Commons corner! (It’s great for naps.)

Love, Merle

Dear Merle,

Dear Brown,

That sounds like a really tough job. I know it seems like the work is never-ending, but it actually is coming to an end quite soon. After this issue, you will never have to rewrite the word Phenoix again. I still don’t know how to spell it correctly (thanks, by the way). I know that it may be frustrating at the moment, but at least you’ll be able to look back in a few years and be proud of all the issues you published. And it couldn’t have been too bad editing the Ask Merle column at least. Anyway, cheer up because Mr. Hof’s barbecue is coming up!

With much love, Your Favorite Section Editor

Dear Merle,

Since the seniors are technically finished with school now, are we supposed

I made so many new friends this year and built such great connections with the people in my grade. I definitely want these friendships to last me throughout high school, but right now I’m just worried about them lasting through the summer. How do I stay in touch with my friends if they all go to Deal and I don’t? I feel like they’re all just going to forget about me. Please help!

Sincerely, freshmangirl225

Dear freshmangirl225, I’m so glad you made so many new friends. I remember when you were all so nervous in the beginning of the year and I’m happy to see all my advice paid off. But I do know that with meaningful friendships comes the need for effort and time to hang out. It will definitely be more difficult to maintain these friendships in the summer as you don’t live in the same place. But thanks to modern technology, you’ll be able to stay in contact with them

What’s in the Senior’s Bag?

Have you ever wondered what unusual items students carry in their backpacks? We could have asked them, but where’s the fun in that? Here’s a list of what (we assume) seniors are carrying.

Suzanne Mosseri: the red camera

Fortune Chakkalo: makeup products

Mark Mosseri: today’s newspaper

Sammy Weinwurzel: his baseball jersey

Ezra Kababieh: a pre-workout

Erica Lincer: a blanket

Maurice Silvera: Champion merch

Joe Tawil: his massive water bottle

Yitzchak Kroub: red flannel jacket

Cynthia Ashkenazie: JBL speaker

Alan Mehani: green Jeep keys

Caesar Tbelie: DJ set

Solomon Kamagi: his whole locker through text, call, FaceTime, Instagram, Snapchat, and every other app in existence. Don’t worry, summer is only two (short) months and it flies by quicker than any of us want it to. And you can always sleep over at a friend for the weekend!

Love, Merle

Dear Merle,

My allergies are acting up in the middle of Algebra. Because of the construction, I’m surrounded by dust ALL THE TIME. If I leave, I’ll miss material and won’t know what’s going on; if I stay, I won’t be able to focus because I’ll be sneezing every second! And when I’m not inhaling sawdust, I’m trekking across Avenue J and up three flights just to get to my classes at Touro. Test week is coming up and I really need all the class time I can get. HELP!

Sincerely, flatbushgirl990

Dear Flatbushgirl990, You’re definitely not the first person who’s complained to me about this problem. You need to weigh your priorities. What’s more important to you, your health or your grades? If you ask the school, they’d say your grades. My personal ideology is why worry about your grades when you’re already technically taking classes in college (physically, at least). But if you do choose your grades, I guess you need to just suck it up and suffer—maybe bring some Claritin or something. And perhaps you’ll consider bringing an electric scooter to get to Touro on time.

Good luck, Merle