What Does It Mean To Be Cool?

At some point in your life, you will feel the urge to be cool. That may mean hanging out with certain kids or having certain opinions. Everyone has their own definition of the word “cool”, but what does it really mean to be a “cool kid”? Does it mean to have nice clothes, smart friends, or being a part of a certain group? Today, we will dive into what Wredling students and teachers think it means to be cool and what can make someone uncool. Now, for the answer to the question we have all been wondering: what does it mean to be cool?

Nora Dietz, a 6-4 student, says that to be cool, you have to be a kind, funny, and respectful person. She also says another responsibility of being cool is to respect your friends. “You don’t have to be popular or have all the trending clothes or anything like that. Just, in general, be a good person.”

Another student from Team 6-4, Gabriella Guth, says to be cool, be nice, respectful, and invite people in. “Being cool means not thinking you are better than someone else.

Sixth graders love to be heard and understood, that is why Lily Paunan says, “I think being a cool kid means you try to fit into the standards of a normal perimeter; you try to be someone that everyone looks up to.”

To Olivia McMullen, “Being a cool kid is being someone who is flexible, easy-going, and chill.” She thinks that if you want to be cool, you have to act your age or maybe even more mature than your age.

Mrs. Breon, a team 6-4 ELA teacher, says that for one of her students to be cool, they have to have a good group of friends and include others. 

Social Studies teacher, Mr. Gabel, believes, “People who are curious about the world and have something meaningful to say on a variety of topics naturally stand out. My coolest students are often those who ask deep, thought-provoking questions about life. It’s not about appearances or trends—it’s about having a genuine interest in the world and the people around you.” 

Our wonderful principal, Mr. Loversky, says that to be cool it depends on who you are. “If you like people who can sing, you might think that people in school musicals are cool. If you like sports, you might think that people on the football team are cool.” Mr. Loversky expressed that coolness isn’t about being popular. It’s about what you value or enjoy.  His final advice is, “Just be you.”

So now that we have heard from both students and teachers, has your definition of ‘cool’ changed? From the voices in the Wredling community, it is clear that being cool isn’t what you look like or what you wear, but about being kind, interesting, and respectful. The overwhelming message heard is that being a good person is what truly matters. Hopefully, you know now, if you didn’t already know, at Wredling, you don’t have to change yourself to be cool or fit in. Just be yourself. Remember, many people care about you, so spread the word. You don’t have to be the “cool” kid.  Be the kind kid, the friendly kid, that is what truly counts.