At first glance the name of this column has little meaning. It is simply my name with the beginnings switched around. But actually, this column name holds a lot of meaning. Brother Joe LeBon is the person who coined this name last year in Latin class.

Brother Joe is also the person who inspired me to start writing for the Visor at the start of sophomore year. The name fits Brother Joe’s style. It’s quirky, a little weird and it matches his tendency to go off topic in Latin class. But despite occasionally digressing, I have learned so much from Brother Joe. Often, it is the material that doesn’t fit in the curriculum that means the most, and Brother Joe is wonderful about teaching these kinds of lessons.

Some of these lessons can’t be learned during school. Often students, such as me, become so wrapped up in creating the perfect college resume that we forget to take the time to enjoy our lives. Sure, a college might not care that you got that C in chemistry because you spent the whole class making wonderful drawings in your notebook, but if you are headed for an art degree, then all the better. I am not promoting tuning out the classes students find unimportant, but I am promoting doing what you love.

I hold a part-time job at an Italian restaurant. I make salads and work as a cashier. Sometimes it keeps me very busy and I miss out on sleeping, studying and homework. Holding this job won’t help me get into college; it isn’t difficult or extraordinary. But it has taught me lessons I could not learn in school.

My job has taught me to be more patient with the public. It has taught me about the importance of responsibility and it has taught me the value of money. I now think in terms of how many hours I would have to work to earn the money to make purchases.

Sometimes I hate my job. People get frustrating, mistakes are made and I just want to quit. But after watching other girls walk out in the middle of their shift and leave us stranded, I know how important it is for me to be responsible and complete my shift.

Don’t take classes or join clubs just because it will look good for college. Do things that teach you lessons about life and do things that you love. Not all lessons can be learned in a classroom. Spending all your time working on your college application may get you into a good school, but it won’t necessarily guarantee you a good life. Don’t just live your life to meet goals someone else has set. Be alive, learn the lessons that aren’t placed right in front of you and you will become a happier person. Trust me, it works.