Before the Program
Keep quiet. If
you've been chosen, chances are the rest of the student body doesn't know about
the program. In any case, giving away the fact that you are to "die"
will ruin the effects on your fellow classmates.
Research
the program. Your school may wish for you to not know much about the
program to keep things a surprise, but unless it's forbidden, look up the
program. Plenty of schools videotape and post the videos of their mock crashes
online, so you can watch to know what to expect. There are also online news
articles and websites that describe the program at lengths.
Tell
your parents. Your parents will most likely need to fill out some
paperwork before you participate, and be sure you give them proper notice
beforehand.
During the First Day
Pack. Because
of the retreat at the end of the day, you'll need to have extra clothes,
toiletries, e.t.c. Be sure to have everything you think you'll need -
you will be cut off from the outside world. It's also a good idea to pack
tissues, even if you don't consider yourself an emotional person - you may be
caught off-guard by the events of the day.
Get
your hair out of your face. Whether you are in the mock crash or will be
pulled out, your face will probably be painted. If necessary, make it easier
for the makeup artists by getting your hair away from your forehead and cheeks.
Unless you have intentional facial hair, a shave can't hurt, either.
Arrive
for school a little early. Your luggage will stick out in the
before-school crowds, and lots of people will notice if you don't arrive early.
You'll also have a little time for last-minute questions and makeup if needed.
Take
the program seriously. Since you are a participant, many of the outside
students may be watching you to know how to react to the events of the day. If
you react to the crash and withdrawals seriously, others are more likely to as
well. It's all fake, but it will seem realer with realistic reactions.
Be
ready to write your letter. At the end of the day, you will receive a
letter written by your parents and other relevant people in your life saying
the things they wished they had told you before you "died." You will
be asked to write letters back. You are not required to write anything, but if
you wish to, be thinking about what you'd like to say.
