Other than just a tiny blip on the great map of New York, what really is Mexico? What's the significance? We all know so well the struggle of describing where we come from; Mexico, NY is not south of Texas (though it is south of Little Texas) and the town consists of a couple places of worship, a Dunkin Donuts, a McDonalds and a single grocery store. I mean, if you look harder, there are other things, however there really is "nothing" there. Well, except the High School that we all know so well. And, to be fair, the school system is the best part of the town, though others may disagree. I'm sure we could easily compile a list of cons that we've found throughout our years at MACS, but I'd like to take a few minutes to discuss the positive aspects of being a tiger.
1. Staff.
Alright, obviously there are some outliers, some members of MACS whose presence isn't always a bright part of the day, but as much as you moan and groan, you have to admit that there has to be at least one teacher there that you connected with, one that cared about you when you struggled. Mexico is home to so many passionate, intelligent, warm (or not so warm) educators. Without teachers that are invested in the school and students as much as they are their paychecks, Mexico could be a whole different environment. Whether you like their job or not, you should at least be able to give a nod of respect and gratitude for their persistent dedication, despite all that they face.
2. Programs.
Though we may be lacking scrumptious food, it's made up for by the amount of opportunities that are offered. We have plenty of sports teams to accommodate your desires, a phenomenal music program, a language program that offers three different options (which is rare to find nowadays as humanities are often the first thing to be cut), JROTC and the BOCES programs. From cosmetology and nursing to the New Visions program, your options are expansive. Whether you chose to take part in any of the above or not, it's still impressive that there are such an abundant amount of chances for you to seize.
3. Club opportunities.
There are so many clubs and honor societies available for our benefit, allowing us to fill our resumes before leaving high school. It gives us a great head start; all you have to do is get involved.
4. Community.
Living in Mexico and attending high school there, you're privy to an overwhelming amount of community involvement. From filling the auditorium at school functions to the stands at sporting events, to helping out with fundraisers and the parades that wander down Main street, to just providing a large amount of support to the general population, the community is part of what makes MACS... MACS. Parents and aunts and uncles and grandparents of the students contribute a large amount to the success and prosperity of the people who wander the halls to the school system itself.
5. The size.
I didn't realize that size was an important factor to the overall feel of a school until I had compared numbers with people from other places. I came to the conclusion that Mexico is about the perfect size. There are so many schools whose graduating class will consist of four hundred plus students. With a class that large, it's almost guaranteed that the students' needs aren't as nicely met than they would be in a different scenario, leading to higher drop out rates and less individualized education. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum are the tiny schools. If you're graduating with thirty five other kids, you never had the option to blend into the crowd; everyone knew your name and your business. Mexico, on the other hand, graduates around 200 students each year. We recognize most of our peers, but we can't possibly know everyone. There is the opportunity to step back into the crowd every now and again. Additionally, the drop out rates are much less than they are elsewhere since the teachers are able to be devoted to each of their students; they don't have too many.
6. The building Itself.
This bullet point is going to be much shorter than the others, because there isn't much to say. The building is architecturally gorgeous, especially the Main Foyer. We don't always appreciate it as much as we should.
7. Our own little creek.
How many students from other districts have had the opportunity to have a creek right in their back yard? The creek has led to plenty of cool sciences classes as well as just being another beautiful part of the campus that is Mexico High School.
All in all, MACS isn't quite as bad as we all make it out to be. I, for one, feel incredibly lucky to have attended such a unique and wonderful school. I may not ever wish to go back to high school, but I'm appreciative that I had the chance to grow in an environment as distinct as Mexico.
