High school football, as we all know, is a rather central idea in Texas. Take a normal football game, add a small town rivalry and ladies and gentleman that is a battle. Then expand the battle into every single aspect of daily life. Welcome to the war between the Wylie East High School Raiders and the Wylie High School Pirates.

I left behind the life of the blue blooded Raiders to enter into the life of a Pirate by shadowing my friend, Shelby Hastings, in her daily routine. On a Wednesday in the parking lot at 9:30 a.m., I arrived into the maroon world of Wylie High School. (The extra privilege of arriving late to school once a week is the main honor that Raiders drool over.)  I then realized how idiotic of an idea this invasion was; after hearing all the strange stares and the “Aren’t you a Raider?” comments.

Throughout the day I gained the nick name ‘East;’ from most coaches and athletes, instead of them learning my real name. The coaches, who hold animosity towards our athletics, had a harder time with the idea of a Raider coming into their classroom, their territory.  Most of the other teachers would allow me into their class with no problems; treating me as if I was just another student. They welcomed me into their school.  The coaches, though, chose to pick on me by pointing me out however they could. I was a Raider crossing into Pirate terrain, something new and unexpected that they did not know how to handle.

The crowded halls of high school seemed even more confusing than normal with no idea where anything was. What was so strange though, is that it just felt like high school. It did not feel all that different from my everyday routine. They abided by the same dress code, (except they wear their club t-shirts on Wednesdays) listened to their teachers in class, and gossiped with their friends during lunch.

That sounds too bland and impossible, rivals seeming almost the same and not having more privileges than the other. We should hate each other; have nothing in common, something! But we didn’t; it was just high school.  Even though we believe they received so many more privileges than us, it was not true. We, the Raiders, never took the time to see what actually happens on the other side. We, instead, believed the rumors we were fed.

If our town would walk out of our small minded bubbles then enter into the shoes of others, the city would change. It may not be a drastic change, but it is enough to make an impact.

Here’s my challenge to you, the same challenge I chose. Find out what it is like as the person you are judging or jealous of. Imagine his or her life, get to know him or her, meet the real person before placing judgment; do anything to find out what is true. Who knows, maybe your whole world would change.