PARTNER
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Everybody up!” Mr. Davis, my physics teacher exclaimed. It was first period and way too early to be this energetic. “We are changing seats. Come on. Everyone up, line up against the walls.” The class groaned and made their way with their backpacks against the walls of the classroom.
Was it time to change seats already? Mr. D had just changed our seats a few weeks ago. This would be my third seat in his class since school started six weeks ago. Wow, it was already mid-October. I just didn’t notice. There was no point to it, really. As long as I got my work done, I was left alone. The calendar only existed as a due date listing for homework.
Great, new seats. For the most part, I hated change. This, of course, meant the changing of lab partners which was sometimes okay and sometimes bad. I really liked science. It made sense to me. I could think my way through it. Some partners I’ve had, on the other hand, not so much. Which idiot will Mr. D pair me up now? Wait, that was harsh. I didn’t mean that. What I meant was, which non-studying, shouldn’t be taking this class, won’t do their homework and doesn’t care about their grade, underachiever will I get stuck doing all the work with?
Mr. Davis worked his way from the back of the room to the front, letting students know where they should sit. Two-thirds of the class had already found out their new seats and sat down, when I looked around and who was left standing with me. I looked at who was left and thought, maybe this time I won’t have to carry my lab partner. I hated that. If I split the work, like I was supposed to, then I’d get a bad grade on the lab or work. I didn’t want that. So, I tried to help out my partner as much as I could, but eventually, I’d just do it myself. I think, Mr. D had realized that and would finally not pair me up with someone that I could ‘help’. Just because it’s an advanced placement class, doesn’t mean that everyone’s smart. You’d think that, but then you’d be wrong.
Two more pairs sat down in their new seats. Who was left? Amy, who was also in my English class, always got A’s, real nice and kind of quiet. Joey, who played varsity soccer, smart, but really annoying, it was like he didn’t know we weren’t in kindergarten anymore—always wadding up paper and throwing it at me. Agh. Patrick, who played varsity basketball, smart and definitely one of the most popular kids at school—athletics, academics, he was good at everything. Kevin, who always asked those annoying questions in class, like he wasn’t paying attention, like he wasn’t even trying to understand. Lastly, there was Sarah, who didn’t act like she wanted to be taking an AP class, so I didn’t understand why she didn’t switch out.
Mr. D walked along the front row of tables. He paused at one table. “Sarah. Amy.” They moved across the room and sat down. Please, don’t let me get stuck with Joey. Or Kevin for that matter. Agh. He moved to the next table and pointed, “Joey. Kevin.” They deserved each other. Well, no one else deserved to be stuck with them. Mr. D went to the last table in the front row. “Patrick. Last, but not least, Elizabeth. I mean, Liz.”
I kind of liked my new seat. I didn’t mind the front row. And, most importantly, there were at least two people between Joey and me. Two guys. I really hoped he wouldn’t try to bug me when there was Kevin and Patrick that would be in the crossfire.
Mr. D stood in front of the class to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, ladies and gentlemen. You know the drill. You each have 30 seconds to share something about yourself to your new partner. Person on the right goes first.”
“Hi. I’m Patrick. Not Pat. I hate it when people call me that, like I’m a piece of butter or something you do to a dog’s head.” He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “I love basketball, playing it, watching it. I have a sister at Stanford and kid brother.” He paused and was looking at me weird. “Aren’t you in my AP English and AP Calculus class?”
Mr. D spoke loudly over the class, “Okay, that’s 30 seconds. Left side’s turn!”
“Ok, I guess I’m the left side. Umm.. I’m Liz or Elizabeth. I kinda prefer Liz though. I don’t mind watching some sports, like basketball is okay. But I can’t play them. Was never any good at it, always seemed to hurt myself. I like to think that I’m lucky that I’m coordinated enough to get my driver’s license and that’s about it.” I tried to think of something else to say. “Oh, yeah, we do have English and math together too.”
“Okay, ladies and gentlemen!” Again, his even-tempered voice rose over the class. “Now, that you’ve met your new partner, it’s time to see what’s going on in today’s exciting world of physics!” Mr. D was a great teacher, made physics interesting and understandable. I really respected him. But, sometimes he was a dork, maybe that’s how he made the class interesting. That’s why he was a cool teacher, he knew he was acting goofy and was okay with it.
Mr. D talked about the new kinetic and potential energy lab then passed around the handout. There were calculations to work out before we could design our experiment. I started to read and work through the first problem. “So, were you able to do the challenge problem for calc?”
“Huh?” I was surprised that the conversation that started didn’t revolve around the lab we had to do.
“The last problem in last night’s homework that Ms. Adams gave us. Did you get it?” He glanced up at me then continued to work on his calculations.
“Yeah. Took me a while though. It was kinda hard. What about you?”
“It was tough. Took me longer than I thought it would.” He had just finished the first problem he was working on. “You done? What did you get for the first one?” He slid his paper over to me to compare our answers. I moved my paper next to his. We had the same solution. “Cool.”
We each took our papers back and started working on the next problem. Patrick chuckled, “You’re funny.”
“Funny?” Me? I never thought of myself as funny.
“Coordinated enough to drive? Come on. You really can’t be that bad. No one is that bad.”
“No, I am that bad. I run into things all the time. Sometimes I don’t realize I hurt myself until I get some mystery bruise.” I looked at him and realized I was talking to a guy on the basketball team. I shook my head, “You wouldn’t understand.”
He thought about it a second. “Well, actually I do. There are some bruises and scratches that I have no idea how I got. It would suck knowing I got hurt doing everyday stuff and not realize it. Heh. Usually my bruises happen on the court or on the field. Friendly pick-up games aren’t always so friendly.”
I slid my paper back over to him to compare our work. We spent the rest of the period talking about the lab—designing our experiment. We had a few different ideas on a design. In the end, we created one that included ideas from both of us. It was nice to share the work, instead of doing it all myself. I thought we had a good design in place to start from for tomorrow.
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen! There are a few minutes left in class. Some reminders: You need to get your design approved by me before I distribute any materials to build. You should have your designs done and approved by the middle of class tomorrow.” The bell rang, but he continued. “Remember, you need to film your design working to include into your final lab presentation.” One of the things I liked about Mr. D’s labs was that they weren’t all just written, but some, like this one, included a video portion where we could see how everyone’s labs did. “Have a great day, everyone. See you tomorrow.”
Patrick shoved his notebook and calculator into his backpack. “Nice to meet you. See you later.”
“Yeah. You too.” I started putting my stuff away and he headed toward the door. I looked up and nodded at him and then got hit by a wad a paper. Stupid Joey. So annoying. “Won’t you ever grow up?” I glared at Joey.
“What fun would that be?” He smiled. “Sucks. I was hoping that we’d get to be lab partners this time.” I was thankful that that didn’t happen.
“Yeah, well. Sucks to be you then.”
From physics, I had computer science, choir, English, th
en lunch. Sometimes I ate with some people from English like Amy, or I’d just find a place to sit and get stuff done or people watch. I floated between different groups of people, not really in one specific group. When I sat with others, it wasn’t like I really belonged. I sat there on the fringe, not joining the conversation. I was just there, invisible. Not consequential enough for anyone to acknowledge and invite into the conversation or to shoo me away. Either way no one noticed if I was there or not.
Today, I found a spot to sit near a tree in the quad. I took out my notebook to see what I had for homework, even though I hadn’t had math or history class yet. I had a lot of work to do, but I didn’t mind. I liked to think, everything was like a puzzle to me. I liked solving puzzles. My latest puzzle that I kept thinking about was that physics design. I jotted down some other possible ideas, back-up plans if our design didn’t work out as we hoped. I needed a break.
I looked up from my notebook and glanced around the quad. I wondered what was wrong with me. I mean, I looked around at my classmates and they all seemed to be having fun, it was lunch-time. What the heck was wrong with me? How come I wasn’t having fun? Why couldn’t I laugh like that? So carefree. Isn’t that what a teenager’s about? Having fun? Sometimes I think that I forgot how to have fun. Then I think I never really had good carefree fun. Then I start to think that I think too much. Yeah, I’m good at that, thinking. I guess I can’t shut it off, even when I want to and I should.
The bell rang. Just like that, lunch was over and students scattered in different directions to their next class. I headed to Ms. Adams’s class for math. Math class is definitely not the time to shut off the brain.
I entered the classroom and headed to my seat. Patrick saw me walk in and got up from his seat. “Hey, Liz.”
“Hey.”
“Are you busy after school? I wanted to run our design by Mr. D and see if he’d approve it today. I’d like to get started on it tomorrow and I don’t know if he has all the stuff we need. If he doesn’t, then I could get it tonight after practice.”
“No, I got time today. I was kinda thinking the same thing.” I was surprised we had the same idea. Wow.
“Okay, cool. I’ll meet you at Mr. D’s then after school.”
“Sure.” I put my bag down on my desk and sat down. He nodded and walked back to his seat.
After history, I headed over to Mr. D’s room and Patrick was already there. They were talking about something, but it wasn’t our lab. “You know, if you really want to make yourself competitive at those schools, you need to attend a program this summer. That shows that you want to excel and would be an excellent addition to their school.” Mr. D was telling Patrick. “And you can get scholarships, internships and network with university professors.”
“Really?! That’s so cool.” Patrick seemed pretty excited about the idea. It sounded interesting and if it meant not being stuck in the house all summer, it was cool.
“I think it would be a great opportunity for you. There’s one that I was involved with this past summer at UCSD called COSMOS.” Mr. D noticed I had walked in. “Hi, Liz.”
“Hey, Liz.” Patrick turned to look at me then back to Mr. D.
Mr. D continued, “Anyway, it was four week residential program for the students. They got to study specific strands that they were interested in with university faculty. I wish they had this program when I was in high school. I really think you should apply. You too, Liz. You have a knack for science and math.”
“Four weeks away from home over the summer and doing science. Sounds good to me.” I really liked the idea of the program and being out the house for any period of time. My parents were pretty strict, but if was an academic program, help me get into college and get scholarships, they’d probably let me go. Besides, UCSD—the University of California, San Diego—was local. It was 30 to 40 minutes away from home, depending on traffic. So, it was close, but not too close, for a summer program at least.
“So, Mr. D, we wanted to show you our design and see if you approve.” Patrick took out his copy of the design and handed it to Mr. D. “Liz had this really cool idea to reduce friction here.” He pointed to my creative contribution.
“Do you think it would work?” I wanted to know if it was impossible to even try.
“Yes, I think it might. It’s definitely worth trying. I’ve never had one of my students try something like that.” Mr. D seemed really impressed. “Let me see if I have the parts.” He got up and went to his back room which he used to store lab supplies.
“See, I told you it was a good idea!” Patrick was excited.
“Yeah, I know. Thanks.” I really wasn’t used to getting compliments. “What if he doesn’t have all the stuff?” I tried to change the subject off myself.
“I told you. I’d pick up the parts after practice.” He looked up the clock. “Good. I still have time before practice. So, have you ever gone to any basketball games?”
“Yeah, a couple.” I had seen some NBA games in the past.
“What did ya think?”
“Huh?” I was confused until I realized he meant the school’s team. “Oh, no. I haven’t gone to any games here.”
“I thought you said…” Now Patrick was confused.
“I’ve been to some Celtics games. I’ve liked the team since I was a kid. I guess I never thought about going to the games here.” I admitted.
“The Celtics? Cool.” He smiled. “You should come and watch. We have a home game tomorrow. We’re pretty good this year. I think we’ll make it into the playoffs.”
“That’s cool. I’ll try to come by.” I didn’t want to commit to anything.
“Try?! Come on! Why not?”
“Well,” I desperately was thinking of an excuse, “What if our design doesn’t work out so great? If it doesn’t, then I’d like to get it figured out before the next class, so we don’t waste a bunch of time. I don’t mind spending extra time improving a working system, but I get frustrated when the original plan doesn’t work.”
Patrick looked at me, it was like he knew I was making up an excuse, then he smiled. “Yeah, I get that. I’m like that too. But I think you forgot who your lab partner is. You don’t have to troubleshoot by yourself this time. I can help.” His smile reached his eyes.
“Yeah, I guess I don’t. What a concept. Wait. I don’t mean…” I realized that I might have sounded like I didn’t think he would help. “I didn’t think that you wouldn’t help. It’s just…”
“You’re used to having to do it all yourself or all the hard stuff yourself?” His face was empathetic and friendly with his brows raised.
“Yeah.” I sighed.
“Yeah, I know what you mean. Me, too. It’s not fair when that happens. That’s what I told Mr. D. I don’t mind helping others, but it really sucks when I end up doing all the work. So, how about this? What if…” He thought for a second, “If we get the part that we build tomorrow working and have no major problems, then will you go to the game?”
“Sure. If there are no major problems.” I didn’t think that would happen. A lab rarely went smoothly. How could I lose on this?
“Cool. I know there won’t be.” He was confident, but not cocky. He seemed to really believe it.
Mr. D came back with a box of supplies. “I think I have everything here.” He handed us the box. “Double check if that’s everything.”
We looked through the contents of the box and compared it to our parts list. It seemed like everything was there. I was glad that Patrick wouldn’t have to go and shop for parts after practice. “Yeah, it’s all here.” Patrick confirmed.
“So, does this mean you approve our design?” I wanted actual confirmation that it was approved.
“Yes, Liz, it’s a good idea. I’ll be interested to see how well it turns out. If you want, you can leave the materials here.” Mr. D pointed to where we could leave the box of supplies in the classroom.
Patrick put the box where Mr. D said to and picked up
his backpack. “I need to get to practice. Thanks, Mr. D! Bye, Liz.” He headed out the door.
“See you tomorrow.” Mr. D called out after him. “So, Liz, are things working out okay, so far, with Patrick?”
“Yeah.” I didn’t quite understand what he was getting at.
“It was brought to my attention that it wasn’t fair for the stronger students to work with ones who struggled. I noticed that you did a lot of the work with your other partners. Don’t think teachers don’t notice those things, we do. At least, I do and I grade accordingly. This time, I tried to pair people closer to ability level. I think, it will take the pressure off you guys and let you learn at the rate you’d like to. Which, you guys have already proven by your design.”
“Thanks. I do like working with someone who knows, well…isn’t stupid.” I didn’t want to say it, because it sounded mean, but I couldn’t help it. I could tell Mr. D understood because he chuckled. “Well, stupid isn’t the right word, but you know what I mean. It’s nice not having to explain everything in detail and do all the work.” I was relieved to actually have a chance to work with someone on a project—it did make it less stressful.
“Let me know if you guys have any trouble. I think there’s a lot of potential there.” Mr. D smiled. “If it works out, then I won’t change the seating chart for a while.” He was definitely one of my favorite teachers here at school, even just after a month and a half in his class.
“I guess we’ll find out tomorrow if stuff doesn’t work.” I picked up my backpack. “I should get going.”
“Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good night.”
“You too, Mr. D. Thanks for understanding.” I cracked a small smile.
“Anytime.” He seemed to mean it. He had no reason to not to. I nodded and headed home.