Rant

Chapter 1

I miss the old days when I was passionate about something.

Now all I do is wake up each morning hoping for change.

I'm trying so hard to finish this stupid essay.

Actually, the truth is, I'm not trying so hard to finish this stupid essay. I'm actually trying so hard to find motivation to finish this stupid essay.

The thing is, I am a procrastinator. But I'm not procrastinating because I'm lazy. I'm procrastinating because I'm unmotivated and tired.

And maybe lazy.

"Hey, Jayden," Jenny calls.

"Yeah," I respond.

"Did you finish your presentation for Honor's Speech class?" She asks.

"I haven't even started," I answer nervously. I have also been procrastinating from doing the presentation.

"What? Really? The presentation is due next week. I just need to add the finishing touches to my PowerPoint."

"The PowerPoint is optional, right?" Another concern added to my list.

"Yeah, but Mr. Smith recommends making a PowerPoint."

"I'll do one then," I sigh.

"You better hurry. The rough draft is due Monday."

Luke pulls out his chair and sits in between Jenny and I. "Presentations? They're easy to do. I did one for college algebra."

Jenny gives Luke a skeptical look. "A presentation for college algebra?"

"Yeah. The professor felt bad about our grades, so she made us research about mathematicians to boost up our grades," Luke responds while pulling out his literature book from his backpack.

"I'll probably get my presentation done the day before," I admit.

"I can't do things last minute," Jenny says.

"Same. I can't work under pressure," Luke adds.

Luke and Jenny go into their own conversation while I stare at a blank whiteboard. I rest my chin on my right hand and sigh deeply. While many students in this class chit chat, I sit silently hoping for the professor to arrive as soon as possible. The sooner the class starts, the sooner I can leave. Not that my life outside the classroom is exciting, but at least I'm not envying those who are able to do a good job with their life.

As if faith heard my pleads, Mrs. Wilson burst the door open and enters the classroom. She gently lays down her bookbag on the desk and begins preparing for class.

"Alrighty let's get to work," her soft-spoken voice barely made noise in the slightly boisterous room. "I've brought in some work sheets for everyone to do to help you create your essay," she says while passing the papers to each student. "First, I'd like you to think of a thesis statement and write it on the blank below the first question. Your thesis is what you'll be arguing throughout your essay. Hopefully by now you've chosen a short story to write about."

"Do we have to do research?" Asks someone from the back of the class.

"There's no need to do any research for this paper. The only thing you'll need is your literature book as a reference," she smiles as she answers. "Although if you would like to do research, you are more than welcome to add any articles on your essay."