Ok, I’m going to level with you.  At some point in high school (if you haven’t already), you will have a teacher, parent, or other authority figure who bothers you to your core. One who makes your skin bubble and evokes that rage you have so successfully buried deep down within you.  I have some tips for when you are confronted with this person.

        If you are not the type to shy away from confrontation, then there is always the option to full-on rebel. Take down the system. Revolt against the man. If you go down this route, just know that there is very little chance you will be able to stop–it should also be said, however, that fortune favors the bold.

        So you have decided to go Rambo on this overseer of your action. Good for you–you’re finally taking control of your life, and it feels amazing! However, I hope this person is not an authority figure in your school, because this may turn out badly for you. I mean, you will be a total legend that will live on in the mental archives of Parker forever, but you will also get in trouble probably. It all depends on how far you intend to take it.

        On the off chance that you want to totally send it, you will need some supplies. If you’re really going to fight the power, you need to fight with power.  I’m talking stink bombs, pulling fire alarms, and the ever-hilarious dry walling of an office door.  Just kidding.

        Now because I feel like I can’t openly give you real ideas on how to revolt against people at Parker, I have to say that this all should not be done (go for it) and will probably result in you getting suspended (but then again, it’s Parker, so it’ll probably get expunged).

        What you need is some “Home Alone” type of attacks, some stuff that will really get them angry, without causing serious harm. But then I’m not your parent, so why do I care? You know what?  Throw caution to the wind. Go all in. See what happens.

        However.  If you’re not into confrontation as a whole, you can take the much more subtle route. This route will be a greater test of your willpower and your ability not to totally scream and yell and break down.

        This art form that I am talking about is the ever-classic “smile and nod” technique. In this technique you do exactly what it sounds like you do: you smile and nod. This takes practice, but it can be done.

        I can remember being in some classes that I will not mention *cough—junior year—cough* in which the teacher really made my blood boil, but the key is not to let them know, and to just silently hang in there for the duration of the ride.

        Once you have done enough smiling and nodding, it is really amazing what happens–all of a sudden the year is over, and you have survived with your faculties nearly intact.

        After this year, you will have mastered the smile and nod, which can actually be translated into several other areas of life, such as with your future boss or professor, or even when talking to someone who is just utterly uninteresting.

        In conclusion I would say that when you are dealing with authority, the best course of action for now is not to let on that they bother you.  And to smile and nod.  Because at the end of the day, it’s not that hard for you, and you can suck it up for another three months.