By KRISTIN VILLASUSO
Lourdes Academy

I know my uniform does not make a good or even half decent fashion statement. I now refuse to wear plaid because I was forced to wear it every day for 10 years until eighth grade, but uniforms are not the only aspect to private schools.

I have been attending private Catholic school for 13 years of my life. I have never known anything else, but I am happy with what I know. Private schools are the topic of many discussions when parents want to obtain the "best" for their children, but what is the best?

I enjoyed my 10 years in St. Timothy, a Catholic elementary school, and my three years so far at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. These schools have helped me to become the person I am today. My friends sometimes ask me, "Why do you attend private school? Don't you hate it . . . the uniforms and the strict discipline?"

To tell the truth, no. Uniforms may be ugly, but they do have some benefits. Lourdes Academy is an all-girls' school, and is very competitive. With uniforms, there is no one to impress because everyone is brought to the same level.

So there I am, sitting in my class of 30 girls in uniform. No class is larger than 30 and every teacher knows the names of the students in his or her classes. It is a good feeling passing a teacher I once had in the hallway and knowing he or she still remembers me as they say, "Hi, Kristin."

I often get sentimental speaking about many of my former teachers because I have had a close relationship with them. The reason for this is because my teachers have always made the time for personal relationships. They show they care. Of course, there are always exceptions to everything, but those teachers who do not show personal interest in their students have been few and far between.

Teachers, although, are not my favorite aspect of my school. The fact my school is so small means that I know everyone in my grade, consisting of 180, and most of the other students. This makes everything feel more like a family. I have support from more people because most people know me and each other. Because others have helped me throughout my education, I am always eager to help others when they have problems with school.

Strict discipline also comes along with private education. This has its good points, but it is sometimes taken to an extreme. If a student at my school gets caught chewing gum on campus, it will cost her $5 and an infraction. Yes, and obtaining three infractions will win a student an hour in detention.

Infractions are a common occurrence. Some other ways to get infractions are by having the uniform skirt too short, wearing a sweatshirt improperly, dying hair unnatural colors (unnatural is defined by the assistant principal of discipline as anything other than blonde, brown, black, and a subtle red), or for wearing more than two earrings in each ear.

Overall, these outlandish rules do have a purpose. I am not sure if I really know what it is, but I have learned to accept them. Although, this does not mean that I do not complain.

The rules, the small classes, and even the uniforms help give an overall sense of security. I would not trade my feeling of safety for anything, because my security is what keeps me focused to learn.

There is little to no violence in my school. There are no gangs or guns. Drugs may be in my school but the administration is strict in dealing with drug users. Random drug tests are given to the students for their safety and if someone tests positive, she is given treatment and is only expelled if she was dealing as well.

Some people may say that I live in a bubble and am not exposed to many things because I am in private school, but that is not the way I think of it. I think of it as a privilege because I am around people with whom I share a lot, such as religion and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of my school is Hispanic. The one downside to this is that I am not always exposed to all cultures.

Some people think public school is better and others think that private is better. I say that neither is better. It all depends on the individual and I personally have been happy with the choice my parents made for my education.

Breezye Telfair

By BREEZYE TELFAIR
Hialeah-Miami Lakes

Life is about being able to cope with the negatives and positives. The challenge comes in knowing the difference and conquering it. This is how I view public schools -- a government-funded education that ensures your freedom.

Too often, public schools are only mentioned in the negatives: overcrowded classrooms, overworked teachers, gang violence, sex in bathrooms, the usual.

But as a student at any public school, you are afforded certain rights and freedoms. For instance, you have the right to a 45-minute lunch break. If you cannot afford lunch, one will be provided for you. You have the right to express yourself. If you aren't sure about how you feel, you will be introduced to various kinds of opinions to help you come to your own conclusions.

You have the right to wear -- well, almost -- anything you want.

Public schools are about helping you find yourself.

There is no requirement to conform -- either through clothing or in your thinking. The fact that there are large numbers of students in some schools -- mine has 3,000 -- is a positive. Among this group are kids from all kinds of social, political and religious backgrounds. This forces you to learn how to tolerate other views and at the same time notice that your views are just one of a number.

Teachers have the right and responsibility to ensure that you become a free-thinking individual. Unlike in some private institutions, they are not confined to one set way of thinking/opinions. As part of the public school system, they are required to introduce you to all sides. In some parochial schools where you pay $4,000-$20,000 a year, you are given one side and that side is usually the one endorsed by the Bible.

Maria Alonso-Martinez, chair person of the Dade County Children's Service Council, said that her daughters attend Lourdes,"so that when I lay down the rules, they do not seem all that bad."

The thought that a nun and a priest would be able to protect and shelter a teenage girl and boy by just lecturing to them is preposterous in this society. Church needs to be dealt with on Sunday mornings, and school needs to continue as learning and social gathering places for adolescents and teenagers. The teaching of the spiritual text is important but so is free interpretation and discussion.

Parochial and some private schools seem almost like the boot camp of the '90s. Despite the negatives of public schools, as some people see them, students are able to succeed; a solid foundation of values ensures that these students are not wildly influenced.

Public schools get a bad rap for drugs, gangs and sex, but those go on in private schools also. The bubble is a paper-thin protector that does not and will not protect against much. What goes on in the society will be shielded by the Bible, only so much.

While some private schools may offer more in terms of curriculum and class size, public school offers more in making you a well-rounded individual. The existence of sporting activities, clubs, and extracurricular activities all play a factor in your education. Multiple viewpoints and the right to exercise your mind in any way you wish, that is what public school is all about and the opposite of what private schools are about. Education in the closet is not life.