I will not cuss in Coach Jones’* class.

I will not cuss in Coach Jones’ class.

I will not….

100 sentences, well actually 99 (I cheated Coach a sentence) of “I will not cuss in Coach Jones’ class.” I made the mistake of blurting out a certain word that rhymes with “spit,” during science. Of course, Coach’s supersensitive ears managed to hear me.

“Jamila, give me 20 push ups.”

The “Ooooooohs” and smart comments begin running from the mouths of my immature classmates as soon as Coach demands 20.

The first thought that popped in my head, “Excuse me? I’m not one of your athletes.”

Now if only I had enough guts to actually say it to her. Instead I just told Jones I’d do them after class.

That wasn’t enough though. They were to be done right there in class in front of every one. What is the point of me doing 20 pointless push ups in front of my classmates for cussing? What does it matter when or where I do them just as long as I get them done? I wasn’t going to do them, plain and simple.

So Coach calls me up to her desk. After arguing for a few seconds back and forth, I decided to write 100 sentences, her second form of punishment she claims is childish. Well I completely agree, writing a sentence over and over again as a consequence is childish. Does this mean 20 pushups is the “adult” thing to do? I don’t think so. I believe both forms of consequences are a sorry excuse for punishment. Push ups and sentences aren’t going to eliminate certain inappropriate words from my vocabulary. Unfortunately I will continue to use those words, even in Coach’s class.

After scribbling the same phrase repeatedly and experiencing partial hand cramps, I was able to finish my sentences during that class period. I handed them to Coach Jones as I was walking out the door, and just as I expected she gave me a quick pep talk.

On my way to newspaper I felt this strong sense of annoyance. I wasn’t exactly annoyed at the fact that I had to write the sentences, just that I decided to do them. I kept wishing I would have spoke up about how I felt to Coach. About how ridiculous her little punishments are. I kept replaying these scenarios in my head consisting of me talking back to her and walking out of the classroom, making my way to Mr. Trammell’s office. I would have been satisfied if I did.

I won’t pull any of those moves though. If I happen to cuss in her class again, then I’ll just write more sentences or maybe I’ll give the push ups a try. Either way, these forms of punishment won’t be teaching me the least bit of a lesson. It won’t teach any student anything.

*Name has been changed