What To Do at Bush Without Your Phone

Upper school student, are you struggling with how to spend your twenty-minute passing periods or lunch/conference time without the presence of your phone? Do you feel lost, directionless, empty, and confused, like you have lost a close friend or family member? Well, you’re in the right place. We here at the Rambler have a special stake in this issue, because now, without our phones, we stare at ceilings and walls during our lunchtime meetings. So, without further ado, here are nine great ways to fill the deep void in your life that this new rule has left: 

1. Read the iPhone Manual: Reading this needlessly long document will help you feel close to your phone even in its absence – just like reading letters written by someone from whom you are physically separated. Rumor has it that, somewhere in these hundred pages, there are reflections about the meaning of life and the origins of the universe. 

2. Pretend It’s There: Spooky reports from across campus indicate that students are experiencing what we will colloquially refer to as phantom phone: the feeling that your phone is in your pocket, even though it isn’t. Use this to your advantage. Purposefully fall prey to your delusions, and revel in the safety and warmth that accompany them. 

3. Walk Busily Back and Forth Between USS and Wissner. Now that you can’t shield your loitering in one place by going on your phone, you’ll need to be constantly on the move. Walking with elevated shoulders, a grave countenance, and an imperious stride will ensure that you are seen as a busy, significant individual within our school community. 

4. Do Homework: OK, just kidding on this one. 

5. Reenact Brawl Stars in Real Life: Purchase costumes, create makeshift weapons, and have fun. Entertain the rest of your peers by performing in the Wissner courtyard. If you’re really serious about this one, contact the Drama Department. 

6. Mentor Freshmen: The freshmen, who can no longer benefit from the sagacity of upperclassmen in traditional advisory experiences, are keen on receiving advice from veterans of Bush. During your free time, find the kindness in your heart to help a freshman out. Some very helpful advice might include, “Essays are always written best past 10:00 pm,” or “Sit in senior corner to make connections.” 

7. Apply to another High School: Free from the trappings of social media, underclassmen might even have enough time to complete applications to other private high schools in the Seattle area. Choose a school that does not have a no-phone policy. 

8. Student Activism: Espouse Bush’s commitment to community-wide action and civic engagement by staging an all-school student protest in response to the new policy. Ideally, your protest should last for at least three days and be forceful enough to shut down classes entirely. 

9. Join the Rambler: At least you’ll have someplace to be once a week: Gracemont 107, Wednesdays, 1:00 pm.