Text Pals ✔️

00/How This Messed Up Thing Started

Allison

"GOOD MORNING FELLOW STUDENTS!"

Oh yay! Another useless announcement from the board of education. I don't understand why they even bother.

"TODAY IS AN EXCITING DAY!"

Right. Just like every other day.

"Now, I know that is what we say every single day."

Oh. You actually noticed?

"But today is different."

Uh huh. I'm waiting.

"I am fully aware that we say that everyday too."

Yep.That was what I was waiting for.

"But today is... WHERE YOU GET TO TEXT SOMEONE AS AN ASSIGNMENT!"

AHEM! EXCUSE ME?

"Yes. You heard that. Everything will be explained shortly. You will receive a flyer in your homeroom class that will explain everything and the teachers will gladly answer your questions. Thank you and have a wonderful day!"

I couldn't help but grumble in reply. What kind of assignment was this? Who arranged this stupid mess? And worst of all, who are we going to be texting?

The bell rang and signaled for first period. Which is fortunately or unfortunately, home room.

As I entered the classroom and took my place at my desk, I noticed the flyers were already there.

It read:

WELCOME TO TEXT PAL!

Text Pal is the new version of pen pal. Our society has deeply changed with technology. If anyone remembers, pen pals were a great way to develop good social skills and to make new friends. Text Pal commits to continue this legacy and share it with others but with a twist. Considering the large amounts of time students now use on technology, we have developed a new way to continue the legacy of pen pals. Instead of writing letters, students will now be able to text students from other schools and other students of the same age!

How Text Pal Works

Two schools will be needed in order for Text Pal to work. We want to make sure students do not know who they are texting! (Don't worry. Text pal is safe and makes sure whoever you are texting will not cause any harm.) Your school will pair you up with another student from another school. Whoever you are paired up with will be whoever you have to text for a year. Students will be required to write a paper every month to explain what they have learned about their text pal so there is no cheating. After a full school year, students will be able to actually meet the person they were texting with!

How You Can Access Text Pal
You can access Text Pal through the Internet or through an app you can download. The app is free and so is the website. When first using the app or website, you will be asked to create an account. All the information needed for this will be given by your school. Once you have created your account, you will be logged out and be required to log in again. When you have logged in, you will be required to enter a code that your school will also provide for you. Once you have entered the code, you will be able to see your text pals' name in your contacts!
Thank you for joining Text Pals!

"Great." I grumbled. I was hoping we would be able to text our friends at least but nooooo. The board of education wants to take over every kind of skill we will ever have in our lives. And I was thinking social skills were the least important.

As more students entered the classroom and read the flyer, some of them grumbled while some of them squealed. My friend, Mia, took her seat next to me.

"What do you think about this whole text pals thing?" Mia asked.

"Stupid."

"You are a ray of sunshine aren't you?"

I forced a smile and rolled my eyes.

She laughed. We couldn't be more different. I lacked in social skills but I'm a very easy person. Mia, on the other hand, was a very social person. She was basically friends with everyone at our school.

Mia also had looks. She had chocolate curls and light brown eyes. Her bright smile adds to everything. She smiles a lot.

Unfortunately for me, I have a different smile. People who are close friends see this mischievous side of me. I smile and laugh a lot around them. They say I actually have a charming personality. Too bad I think it doesn't exist.

"You know, I think this isn't too bad. We could meet new people." Mia smiled.

"Right. Look at the bright side! We can talk to strangers and become a different person! It would be so much fun!"

Mia rolled her eyes. "Your sarcasm never ceases to amaze me."

"I try."

The teacher, Mr.Potter, came into the classroom with his daily stern face. Yes, I know, he has a weird but amazing last name. By the way, at first, we thought he was a very hardcore fanboy. Turns out he never even read the series. He's a disgrace,am I right?

"Okay listen up! I know you are all excited and whatnot about this program. But please sit down and stop looking like shocked chipmunks." He glared at David Grayson in the back,who made an airplane out of his flyer."I'm looking at you Mr. Grayson."

"Yes Mr. Potter. I see that perfectly well. Have you been working on your glares in the mirror?" David remarked.

Mr. Potter rolled his eyes and proceeded. "I'm sure you have all read the flyers by now." He glared at David Grayson again. "If you did not understand it, I would like to tell your parents to send you back to preschool. Now, I don't want to go through your ridiculous questions that some of you may have. I will not mention any names." He coughed. "Mr. David Grayson." He coughed again. "Ahem sorry. I will now hand you the papers that will tell you who you will be texting. The papers will contain the code you need to activate your account, your text pals' name, and some details about your text pal."

Again, with the groaning and squealing.

Slowly, Mr. Potter handed out the papers. Saying that my paper was handed out the last would be way too cliche. I'm just gonna say that Mr.Potter gave me my paper without any special remark or stare.

At last, Mr.Potter handed everyone their papers. "I wish you all luck in getting along with your text pal. Some people may need some time to get used to you. Do not expect them to like or dislike you once you have talked to them." The advice would have sounded deep if he didn't give it especially to David.

"Please study your papers and make sure you do not know this person."

Looking at my paper, I frowned.

His name was Ashton Thompson. He's 15 and is on his school basketball team.

That means he has to be one of the popular guys.

I almost wanted to tell Mr. Potter I knew this guy. You might be asking why I wouldn't like this Ashton guy. To be honest, I rather have a nerd or fanboy.

Mia must of saw my expression because she shot me a curious look. I just shrugged at her and mouthed "Tell you later."

As class started, I couldn't help but remember the voice of Mr.Potter saying good luck.