By: Mickail Thomas
D – Dark
E – Evil
V – Vortex
O – Of
L – Late
S – September
O – October
N – November
Devolson is the period of time where there are no decent breaks in schooling, for either the students or the teachers. The term “devolson” is commonly used by teachers who experience lowered patience, due to the extended period of time without breaks in the months of September, October, and November.
Something worth noting with Devolson; it’s not universal. Some places do have a break within the three months of September, October, and November. I personally came from a place where there was two separate breaks in the months of September, October, and December. These breaks allow everyone to decompress and regain energy.
When Mrs. Galvan, Redwood’s Drama teacher and director of the various musicals and plays, was asked how she deals with the chaotic time of year, she answered with, “I find time to get away. I visited my daughter down south, and left all work here, I even left my phone, just disconnected.” Galvan explained that she took breaks by simply disconnecting, even something as small as not bringing her phone let her completely disconnect from work.
When Mr. Ball, Redwood’s College and Careers teacher, was asked when was the worst time where kids acted, he hesitantly responded, “There isn’t really a worst time.” When he was asked to expand further, he easily replied, “It always depends. Sometimes kids are very mellow, while other times those same kids will act absolutely bonkers.” Mr. Ball spoke of his experiences with his students.
When Fleur Strik ’20, a stressed senior from Redwood High School, was questioned about her peers stress levels, she easily responded, “People are stressed, nobody wants to be in high school for an extra year.” When she was asked to expand further, “People want to move along to the next chapters of their lives, so of course they’re stressed. They simply want to move along, not fail their final year of school before college.” Strik explained, highlighting how most seniors felt.
Devolson may seem to be a stressful time of year, but it’s simply the final stretch before a satisfying, relaxing winter break. The students of Redwood High School need to push through for just a little bit longer, and soon, for not only the students, but the teachers as well, a much needed break will come fill everyone’s minds with comfort and peace.