MSJ at first sight, may appear to be a rundown school with bad facilities and poor maintenance. However, in reality...it is a very rundown school with terrible facilities and no maintenance. Never before in my life, have I seen a worse school.

Having moved from St. Louis, where our schools are funded ridiculously well (we have 3 computer labs, 2 full size gyms, a real swimming pool, fully enclosed building, windows, carpeting, etc etc), I have basically went from a hotel to a network of shacks.

The restroom, however, is by far the most revolting place even in this ghetto school. You are greeted by the thick aroma of ammonia immediately after you step through the door. Sometimes I wonder if it is safe to breathe in there. And you'll love this part...they have these goddamn long "bowl" things that you're supposed to piss in, what the f*ck is that? This is like Mexico or something. I'm surprised we don't have kneeling toilets for bowel removal...

And the teachers, oh the teachers...many of them are barely qualified, with credentials from community schools or "I went to San Jose State!" As Mr. Flores so eagerly answered my question. It also appears that many of them are "swapped" around, and teach different classes every year. This shows why many of them can't teach worth a rat's ass, not to mention the renowned Mrs. Neilson.

The board worsens the situation with poor financial management. Apparently, setting up our "bell tower" and that gay electric sign at Palm and Mission was a priority over fixing up the restrooms (bleaching and acid required). I suppose they felt that "school spirit" is important, because obviously we'd all feel like shit if we don't have that bell tower, right? And by God, what would we do without that sign? It tells the traffic "Look at us, we have no money but we put this sign up to act like we do." Aside from the pretentiousness...do any of you feel that MSJ spirit? We need real facilities more than anything else, only then would it be worthwhile to even try to flaunt our status.

Many people tell me that MSJ has the best standardized test scores, and *blah blah blah*. Big f*cking deal. It appears that exceptional test scores only means less money for us. The only reason why MSJ is even remotely prestigious is because of us, the students. I think it is time that the staff and the board get the f*ck off their asses did something.

More to come later...