The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

34 The Idea of an Essay: Volume 3 I was overcome with a wave of shock. As I sat there staring at an empty seat, I could feel my stomach drop and my eyes widen as the realization that I was alone began to sink in. “Cody,” called my teacher from a few steps away. “I’m going to have you work with Jack for this assignment, since Raydeer isn’t here today.” I cringed at the idea. How was I supposed to work with Jack Harris, the laziest and most careless student in our grade? However, after a few minutes of worrying and complaining, I suddenly realized my hope for this assignment. “Mr. Boswell!” I called with a little more excitement and hope in my spirit. As his head turned back, and I knew I had his attention I began to ask my question, “Is this graded individually?” Even though he went into detail on the grading of our debates, I heard none of it. After his first affirmation that our grades were separately given, my ears stopped working and my mind relaxed to let out a breath of relief. I slowly allowed a smile to slip across my face as I began to realize that I was free. Instead of being held down by the lackluster attitude and little effort of my partner, I was free to ignore it and even use it to help boost my work. From that moment on, anything I did was already miles ahead of whatever my partner could throw together. I turned to face my new partner with a fresh energetic attitude and eagerness like that of a child on Christmas morning. As we unfolded the slip of paper with our topic on it, I could already see the brutal domination that would take place in the near future. We both carefully read the material and looked at each other. “Which side do you want to take?” I asked, already knowing the obvious answer. To no surprise, his response came just as expected. He leaned back in his chair, smirked, and with a slight smug huff he answered, “I don’t care.” Good move, Jack. I looked back at the piece of paper, re-reading the subject: Should the legal driving age be changed from 16 to 18? “Okay, I will take the stance that it should change,” I proposed, as ideas began to surface in my mind. Aweek later I strolled into class, binder in hand and confidence being advertised in my walk and sly smile, ready to impress my class with the dominance I would display before them. As student after