So, I've noticed a few things about the kids on the island...
- A wide range of age groups will all spend time together and participate in activities. For example, my high school was pretty big, so for the annual plays/musicals they usually only needed 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to perform. Also, in my middle school, 7th and 8th graders were usually the two groups that would get together for any sort of activity like sports, clubs, plays, etc. But here, since the kids aren't separated into elementary school, middle school, high school, etc, you will see a 7 year old in the same play as a 14 year old.
- A wide range of age groups will all spend time together and participate in activities. For example, my high school was pretty big, so for the annual plays/musicals they usually only needed 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to perform. Also, in my middle school, 7th and 8th graders were usually the two groups that would get together for any sort of activity like sports, clubs, plays, etc. But here, since the kids aren't separated into elementary school, middle school, high school, etc, you will see a 7 year old in the same play as a 14 year old.
- There is a very warm and casual atmosphere. Things just aren't an intense here as they seemed to be where I grew up. When I went into my high school as a freshmen, it was filled with strangers. All the older kids were strangers and most of the kids my own age were strangers, since about 6 middle schools combined in 9th grade to come into the high school. When kids are surrounded by a bunch of kids they don't know, they tend to get insecure... and then different cliques form... and all that crap starts. But here, there is no going into a NEW school or trying to impress NEW people. Nearly everyone you talk to has been in the same class together since they were 5. And all the kids that weren't in the same grade, still know each other through all the shared community/school activities. Also, when we put on plays at my high school they were very serious. Our huge auditorium would be filled with people from the community and we had to put on a PERFECT show. Not just any old kid who wanted to be in the play could participate either. You had to try out. And if you sucked, they told you to go home. Watching the play practices here on the island are hilarious. Half the kids are looking over at the kid next to them to figure out what dance step is coming next. Everyone constantly erupts in giggles because no one can remember their lines. And no one gets in trouble. The plays are meant to be casual and include everyone who wants to participate - no matter how old they are, or if they can act.
- Since the community is so close, people will come together to help each other (at least sometimes). For example, a fifth grade school teacher, Mary McKernan, has cancer and every time she needs treatment she has to take the ferry boat over to Los Angeles. So, a bunch of students got together and had a car wash/bake sale in order to raise money for her. A bunch of little girls came up and stuck $20 bills into the donation box saying, "mom says this is for Ms. McKernan"
(everyone travels by golf cart here)
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