When I Was in High School, I Was Mostly Serious

Summary

The article recounts the story of Rodney, a high school student who was known for his excessive laughter and love for humor, which led to a life-changing intervention and subsequent transformation into a serious and successful academic.

Abstract

Rodney's incessant laughter, particularly during inappropriate times such as during a chapel service or in response to Latin jokes, was a defining characteristic of his high school years. His behavior was so disruptive that it prompted a meeting between his parents and the school's headmaster, emphasizing the need for a change in his life. After a medical examination revealed an enlarged sense of humor, a humorectomy was performed to remove it. Following a six-week recovery period with restrictions on humorous content, Rodney returned to school as a focused and exemplary student. He later achieved professional success as a teacher of economics and political science. The author, Don Martin, invites readers to subscribe to his Medium stories for more content and to join his community for additional insights.

Opinions

Rodney's laughter was perceived as a problem serious enough to warrant medical consultation and intervention.
The consensus among medical experts was that Rodney's sense of humor needed to be surgically reduced.
Rodney's parents were extremely concerned about his future, agreeing to the unconventional procedure.
The article suggests that Rodney's post-surgery demeanor and subsequent career success were direct results of the humorectomy.
The author values engagement with his audience, offering various ways for readers to access more of his work and become part of a community.

Rodney, though, used to laugh at everything before he was cured.

He laughed so much in Music during Shubert’s Eighth, that Mr. Willson had to throw a xylophone hammer at him.

He even thought Mr. Peterson’s Latin jokes were funny.

He laughed out loud during chapel.

Finally, the headmaster of our school had the chat with his parents, about making something of his life.

Rodney's doctor examined him, finding that he had an enlarged sense of humor. Experts were called in to consult about a possible rupture.

“It really should come out,” was the consensus at the hospital. Rodney's parents, scared to death, agreed to the humorectomy procedure.

After six weeks of recovery including no cartoons or comic books, Rodney was able to go back to school, a serious and model student.

He went on successfully in life to teach economics and poly-sci.

Thank you for now!

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