The first week of school is always a jolting experience, and I realized I had forgotten a couple things.

FRIENDS!

Over the summer, I often lose touch with some of my friends because our work, vacation, or sports schedules do not match up. During school, it is easy to stay close. We all are coerced to stay in a building and our common struggle unites us for nine months of the year. (Well, most people are coerced to go to school, but I am glad to go­) If it was not for school, I would have a very different (almost non-existent) social life. The different institutions that I have attended have provided me with a climate where I can learn, but also relax with friends.

Sleep

Summer completely wrecks my sleep schedule. Will I go to bed before the sun rises? Usually. But school requires a steady sleep schedule, otherwise, life will be filled with even more stress. So now I have to get used to falling asleep earlier and waking up earlier. School makes me go to bed circa 10:00 P.M. and wake up circa 5:30 A.M. I am one of the lucky ones because I like getting up early versus some of my peers who struggle waking up at the unholy hour of 7 A.M.

Homework

Let me get this straight. I absolutely love learning. The thing that “grinds my gears” about homework is that it sometimes becomes redundant or causes conflicts with other subjects when I want to give more time to both. Also, homework requires more time rationing in the day, especially for athletes. Sadly, homework serves a necessary purpose so I cannot complain too much.

Sports

Whether it is going to see the football team play under the Friday Night Lights or diving in the pool at 5:30 in the morning, athletics are usually a critical component for students. It improves one’s health, teamwork, and social life while giving student-athletes a competitive outlet. Over the summer I get out of shape a little bit and I lose some of my connection with my team.

Procrastination

As an honors student, it does get a little hectic when several teachers decide to proctor a test on the same day, or when the English teacher (I am talking about you Mrs. Twist) decides to assign several papers while you already feel overwhelmed. It is always manageable with well managed time, but stress and procrastination are basic human concepts which can ensnare any high school student. As much as I try, I will slip up and put some things off to tomorrow or read a book over the weekend that is not the one assigned by the educator. Throughout high school I have learned to procrastinate less, but really, who wouldn’t want to watch kitten videos for just five more minutes?

Disease

Wash your hands and sleep well, because school spreads not only knowledge, but also pestilences such as the cold, flu, and minor cases of insanity. Never have I ever gone through a school year without having to take a couple days off of school for recovery. Maybe it is the doorknobs, or perhaps the gum one accidentally touches under the table, or the enclosed classrooms which circulate germs.

Teachers

It may seem like they get a three-month vacation, but much of that is spent on planning for the year. But they do have lives, and it is nice to catch up with them. Some are obsessed with Disneyland and go there every summer, others spend their time reading on their porch, and a few work a second job to better provide for their family. They are some of my biggest role models, but I almost never see them outside of school, so summer takes them away.

Clothes

You mean I cannot walk around during the day with the clothes I went to bed with? I have to be presentable every day? Whelp.

Decisions

This is my senior year. If I want to do something, I better do it now. During the summer, I see and affect fewer people. But while at school as a senior, I find myself as one of the student leaders of the school. And being on a pedestal makes me nervous, and I will have to fight those nerves. This year in school is the last step in this stage of life, and I want to make it exceptional.

Here goes to my last year of high school. I wish everyone a wonderful year!