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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Broward chapter.

The first day in April is the day most commonly called “April Fool’s Day.” Practical jokes, silliness, and foolishness are a big part of the day. Nobody is exactly sure where the tradition started, though many people think it can be traced back to a change in the calender in 16th century France.

 

When King Charles IX introduced the Gregorian calender in 1582, it changed the first day of the new year to January first. Before that, it was celebrated during the week of March 25 – April 1. Those that refused to acknowledge the change continued to celebrate on April first and were considered “fools” for not changing. It became  commonplace to play jokes on these people.

 

Now, people all over the world use April Fool’s Day as an excuse to play practical jokes on friends. These are not mean-spirited tricks, just silly jokes. Many newspapers, radio personalities, television shows, and Internet web sites participate in the celebration.

 

One of the most famous April Fool’s Day hoaxes was carried out in 1957. The BBC television news show, Panorama, announced that Swiss farmers had grown a wonderful “spaghetti crop” and showed a video of them packing spaghetti from trees! In 1998, Burger King advertised its new Left-Handed Whopper on April Fool’s Day, saying that all of the condiments were placed especially for the left-handed eater. Both of these practical jokes fooled tons of people!

 

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Tiffany Joseph

Broward '20

I'm Miss. Congeniality of Broward College North Campus, Events Coordinator of the Psychology Club at Broward College North Campus, new president of Her Campus Broward, I work for Student Services at Broward College North Campus, and I just like to get involved in many great activities that benefit my personal growth.
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Student at Broward College for the past five years, first enrolled on Davie's Central Campus learning Physical Therapy for two years than, transferring to Coconut Creeks North campus for the last three years, now majoring in Early Childhood / Developmental Education. Spent first year with Her campus Broward as Outreach Director, former president of self-entitled campus friendship club, Sammy's Buddy Brigade, member of the Campus Science Club, and a Broward County local student Ambassador with Best Buddies International. Winner of the Sammy's award for most charity work within the community, and now Vice President of Her Campus Broward. I hope to soon be working at Junior Achievement with the elementary and middle school children, in order to have a well rounded experience! The hope is to one day work with and teach children who have special needs such as myself! Biggest belief and philosophy of life is that, no matter what anyone says you can't accomplish in life, I am living proof that anything is possible! Having ADHD, high functioning Autism, and medical conditions such as Scoliosis, helps me to understand special needs children on a level that very few people can! It is this very knowledge that led me to choose Teaching as my chosen profession. Now at age 42, and more than 55% on the way to getting an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, I hope to become an Assistant Teacher within the next year or so. We hope that this true life story will inspire others to never give up either, no matter what anybody says, or tells you, that you can't do, the only one who can truly hold you back is "YOU".