Stan the Rubberband

We cleaned out our office this weekend and I came across this small poster I had made back in High School. It was in my government class. The assignment was to make a campaign poster for a fictional character that we designed to fit the roll of a Presidential Candidate. I had completely forgotten about the assignment until I walked in 2 minutes before the start of class and noticed that I was the only one without a sizable piece of poster-board at my desk. Each student had obviously devoted hours of work creating their posters, and I had nothing. So I snagged a piece of printer paper and quickly designed my campaign around a lovable and modest figure I named Stan, the Rubber-band.

When class started each student took turns showing their poster and talking up their candidate. When I stood up it became apparent that I was alone in my decision to have an inanimate object running for the office of President. I also was the only one whose poster was on an 8.5x11 piece of white paper. I explained that Stan was not only part of a loving family, but that he had plans for the economy; he was helpful, and patriotic. And yes, he was a common rubber-band.

At the conclusion of my presentation, my teacher had 4 other students stand up beside me. He said, "these are the students who are eligible for extra credit". I wasn't sure why I was in the mix, but he continued, "we will decide who gets the extra credit by who receives the loudest applause". We each took turns holding up our posters and listening for the classes response. Apparently, and much to my surprise, the class liked my poster the best and the clapping proved it.

I wasn't a popular kid in school-- It certainly wasn't a matter of loyalty when the class unanimously agreed on my poster. On that day I learned that sometimes what this world really wants is creativity. I got 105% on this silly project.