@tcork77

ANNOUNCEMENT (9/24/24 @ 8:00 AM):

I have at last given into the peer pressure that I've been dealing with for years now. Friends, classmates, teammates, and family members have been trying to convince me to get social media for a long time. And now they have finally got what they all wanted. I have made the decision to create accounts on Snapchat and Instagram. 

Why I didn't have social media before now:

This is pretty simple. Before my birthday last year, I didn't even have a phone or other personal technology. When I got a phone, it was my philosophy that anyone who wanted to communicate with me can do so via text messages and calling. That is still part of my beliefs, but I know social media makes it easier for friends and classmates to find me. I stayed away from social media because I have observed others waste countless hours scrolling through TikTok and other apps. That, along with the drama and cyber bullying present on these platforms supported my decision not to get social media apps. I would like to reiterate, it was my decision not to have social media. My parents were not preventing me from getting it. Once I decided I wanted social media, getting it set up was quick. 

Why I have social media now:

Communicating with the student body is extremely important to someone serving as the President of the class. Other means of communication have their limitations. For example, I don't have classes with everyone, so some students can't just walk up to me to suggest or ask about something. Not everyone uses their email outside of school, but people still have important things to say outside school. Nearly everyone uses social media, so I am meeting everyone where they are. 

My use of social media:

As I explained above, I got social media mostly because I find it necessary for the President of the class. I will not suddenly become someone who is constantly available now because I have Snap/Insta. My parents and I agreed to put into place 1 hour daily time limits for both apps. These social media means will be used with the T-Cork updates form that some filled out over the last few weeks. The form will be updated and will reflect the change. 

Key takeaways:

• @tcork77 on Instagram and Snapchat.

• Not on TikTok, X, or others. 

• My decisions, not parents forcing.

• The class is @nphs2028 on Instagram.

• Follow now (unless now refers to a time in school)