More Than Just Extra Credit

When Mr. Fitzpatrick told our class we would get extra credit by attending some peer court for two hours after school, almost everyone was up for it. Like all the typical AP kids, we just wanted the extra credit, not even caring how we got it. Making frantic phone calls to our parents, we told them to pick us up two hours later. We didn't even know what we were going to do for two hours, but all that mattered at the moment was the extra credit.

The final bell for sixth period rang. Finally school was over. Time for, what was it called again? Oh yeah, peer court. Paranoid thoughts rushed through our minds, What if every one's there already? What if there's not enough room? Worst of all, what if we don't get the extra credit? In the midst of our running to room 307 to make sure there weren't already the maximum 100 people there, we stopped. We joked of our previous thoughts, dismissing them immediately. As we began walking again, our strides shortened and our worries vanished. Laughing at ourselves for being silly, now we thought, Why were we running? It's not like there are going to be so many people lined up for this, it's only extra credit, right? Wrong. Very wrong. As we turned and saw room 307, shock replaced the worry that had only a few minutes ago embedded itself in our minds. There were somewhat fifty to sixty students already lined up. Students of all grade levels, all different classes. Waiting, waiting to get inside, waiting for peer court to begin. Slowly we began to realize that maybe this peer court thing is more than just extra credit. Still unsure of why there were so many people and what peer court was, we lined up, sobering ourselves for a moment. This seemed official, really official. There was a security guard to make sure there was no cutting, and teachers at the door, counting students. New thoughts flashed across our minds, What are we doing here? Do we even know what this is? Uh-oh! Before we knew it, Ms. Hurst, counted us, gesturing us to go in. We realized it was too late, no turning back now.

Inside, peer court was a whole new story. We signed in and walked nervously to the nearest empty seats. The court began with a warning, no cell phones were permitted to be on during the session and that once you enter, you cannot leave until the court is dismissed. My friends and I looked at each other, lines of anxiety creased our faces. As the judge walked in, we were told to stand. More nervous than ever, we uneasily sat down again and waited for peer court to begin. It turned out that it was a real court, and we were going to hear real cases, of real students like us. Yeah, real. This whole time peer court had seemed like a game, a movie, some fake show on T.V. And were we wrong. Three cases were to be trialed, the victims had already confessed their crimes. Volunteer jurors were asked to participate in the jury. The jury was to decide a recommended punishments for the victims. The judge asked those who wished to participate to rise. Subconsciously, we stood up, there was no harm in trying. Most of the details of the court were confidential, but if I were to summarize everything in one word, it would be, unforgettable. Being on the jury allowed me to experience peer court's purpose to the fullest extent. It wasn't just an easy way to spend two hours, but a time to realize the reality of life. True cases of teenagers just like us were presented and the punishments were just as real. I realized that peer court was a time where we were given the opportunity to be involved in our community, to truly see what's going on around us. I actually enjoyed what I did, happy that the victim I had helped try, realized their mistake. It was only my first peer court, but I felt as if I'd been doing this forever. When peer court was finally dismissed, my friends and I had new thoughts on our minds. Yes, we think a lot. This time it was, That was so cool. I can't wait for the next peer court. We really have to get there earlier next time. I don't want to barely make it.

That was the story of how my friends and I spent two hours, from three to five, after school. The story of how sometimes something that is completely bizarre to you at first, can have a lasting impact on you, as long as you are willing to try it out. Our reason to go there in the first place was extra credit. But any thoughts of extra credit were long replaced with the new thoughts and memories of our first experience in peer court. If there is one thing I can surely say from this experienec is that I know I will definitely go there next time. Extra credit or not.

-Sabrina