"I was just freein' the noise, and colorin' the world a little..." :)

     Currently, I am reading the book "Just Another Hero" by Sharon M. Draper. In this book, kids don't take school seriously. Most students either live in a poverty or crime scene neighborhood. It is much different than in my life or many other people that go to Middle School 51. I think this book was taken place in the south, maybe in the mid 1900's. Both the setting and the way people talk and interact with each other support my theory of this.
     The quote "I was just freein' the noise, and colorin' the world a little..." (pg. 71) is said by a supporting character named Jack. He is loud, outgoing and lives life at it's fullest. He's not afraid to do anything. Sometimes, in the middle of class he pulls the fire alarm even though he knows it's illegal. Everybody knows that he does it too but doesn't want to tell on him because he is has good intentions and is kind to everyone. I believe that Jack uses his bubbly personality to express how he feels, to get people's attention and stand out (whether it's in a good or bad way).
     What I think this line means is that you should "get out there", show people who you are and not be afraid of what others think about you. Jack plays his cymbals loud, clear and proud-filling the hallways with noise. He wants people to recognize that he is there. He also wants to send out the message that yes, he may be different than everybody else but individuality is a good thing in life; it's what makes us, us. Everybody can make a difference in the world, you just have to speak what's on you mind.
     At Jack's school, they do need color. I think that his high spirit does bring some color into the school. You might think that he is annoying, maybe I would think so too if he went to my school. But in such a dull place, he brings light and shows me what it is like to be original and be himself.
     Everything at Jack's school seems dull and uninviting. For the most part, the teachers seem like they don't want to be there, the supplies in each classroom is ancient and they have a student that came out of juvenile attending their school. The one thing that stands out to me in this run down school, is each student's uniqueness. Each person has a different personality and they all seem to get along. Each person fills a gap that another one may have. One is a mom, one is addicted to drugs because of their harsh life at home, one is obese and the main character is rich yet learning the value of each dollar from her step-father. These might all sounds like bad qualities to you, but to me it sounds like a chance to bond. I bet they can all relate to what the others are all going through. It can create stronger relationships and a better society knowing that you are not the only one going through a tough time.