Detention Diaries A look into what really goes on in detention at our school
By Daysun Brown, Staff
I
t finally happened. 2,216 days into my education career, I got a detention. What did I do to be put in this situation? I was simply late to first period three times in the first quarter. Will it happen again? Possibly. Yes, detention is supposed to be a place of punishment and a time to reflect on the choices that got you there. But instead, it inspired me to write this piece. As I sat across from Vice Principal Greg Hall after my third tardy, I was presented with options of when I wanted to serve my time. What a privilege. I missed nothing after school except a bunch of high school traffic, so if anything this was a reward. If you know me you know that I am typically referred to as a “good kid” and I would never be in a situation that would cause me to get a detention. You wouldn’t be surprised to know “I originally that I started out very upset, and thought that maybe even cried detention a little. But after would be one a few hours, I saw the opporof the worst tunity that was hours of my presented to me. senior year but I got to the detention room it turned out to at 3:41 p.m., but be one of my the hour didn’t most inspiring start until 3:50 moments.” p.m. Mrs. Platt, the teacher, - Daysun seemed surprised Brown, senior that someone was there that early but I was unaware of the “appropriate” detention etiquette— arriving late. As I sat down I noticed a colorful
photo by Gretchen Drews
welcome banner draped across the front board and the two floor-length windows in the corner, a pleasant surprise that my other classes don’t have. The bright room was decorated with posters and a butterfly mobile with an inspirational quote floating in one corner. The final touch was some very comfortable swivel chairs and even two bean bags. I chose a swivel chair and settled in to serve my hour of subordination. I came prepared with all of my notes and homework printed out on paper because I expected this time to be a punishment and I would be restricted from using any electronics. However, I noticed that every other person in the room was on their computer or phone with headphones in. So what are my opinions on detention? Well, it’s simply a study hall, but it smells good, has natural lighting, and is quiet. Honestly, one of the best rooms in the building. A hidden gem in the school. I personally loved detention, but there is a problem with that statement. Detention
should be a little more punishment and a little less luxury. Phones, laptops, and headphones all seem like items that shouldn’t be allowed to be used in this time. That might be an unpopular opinion, but having your phone makes it the same as sitting in your room or any study hall. This time allows for you to scroll through Tik Tok for a complete hour with no interruptions from parents, teachers, or friends. You can leave and go to the bathroom whenever you like and I even observed a student walk in 20 minutes late. Privilege is even present in our punishments at Zionsville. I originally thought that detention would be one of the worst hours of my senior year but it turned out to be one of my most inspiring moments. I didn’t form a band like in Disney’s Lemonade Mouth or make any unusual friendships like in The Breakfast Club, but I did enjoy my time in Room 203. Detention was perfect, but also nothing like what it should be.
Opinion 23
