The start of a new school year is a very exciting time. For some people, it is their first year in high school, and for others, it is their last. How do different grades feel about going back to school?
Freshmen were interviewed about how they feel about going back to school this year. Since this is their first year of high school, the most common answer is that they’re excited for a new change, seeing new things, experiencing a new school, and, the most popular having, off campus lunch.
Daniela, a freshman, says this when asked about what she’s excited for this year, “I’m in 9th grade so it’s mostly new experiences, new things since its high school not middle school, most schools are closed campus but this school is open campus so that’s new and a change, one thing i’m looking forward to this year is sports and events.”
Jalissa says, “I felt like its really difficult getting used to everything because it’s bigger that other schools. One major thing is the time I had to get up, like, to be here at school early and how long the periods are. I feel like that’s a big change. One thing I’m looking forward to is having good grades.”
Sophomores were also interviewed about going back to school this year. Considering this is their second year in school, there is less general excitement and bigger emphasis on academic performance.:
Willa says, “I think I was pretty excited to come back to school this year. I mean, there’s going to be a lot of fun stuff happening this year. I think the renovation is definitely a very major change … it’s weird to come to school everyday and the entire tech building and cafeteria is just gone. This year I’m looking forward to getting more involved. I just recently joined Palmer’s speech and debate team.”
Destinie says, “I was more nervous to come back to school because of the sophomore slump, so I was very nervous. Like, freshman year we [could] let loose, but this year I have to study, get ahead, stay on task, things like that. I’m look forward to my classes next semester.”
When juniors were interviewed for back to school this year, they had different opinions about the difficulty they’ll face this year. They mentioned that this year has been harder than any other year so far, and will probably get harder later on.
Donta says, “11th grade is just a little harder, but I’m still enjoying it, my friends keeping us company. [I’m excited for] basketball season, track season, the dances, and prom (especially prom). It’s not too hard, but harder than the last two years, for sure.”
Margaret says, “I feel excited for the year. Now that I’m an upperclassman, there’s more to do, plus I can drive now. [I’m] also kind of stressed because junior year is a big one. First year with diploma, SAT and all that kind of stuff … I’m excited for school events, prom, being able to get involved and go to everything.”
Lastly, Palmer’s seniors were also interviewed about how they feel about going back to school this year. It’s there last year in highschool, so they have to prepare for life as an adult.
Darnell says, “I feel like the building this year is pretty chaotic, a little bit, just everybody getting used to being in one building instead of all the different ones … I feel like senior year is pretty chill, for what it’s worth, and it’s going by pretty fast … I definitely want to go to the University of Oregon. I’ve been looking at some colleges in Hawaii, some in Florida, just anywhere but in Colorado.”
Maverick says, “I feel like it’s easier because I have no more classes, really. I have only a couple a day … it gets easier as you go.”
After all the grades at Palmer were interviewed, it seems like freshmen are the easiest grade levels, all the way up to juniors, one of the hardest grade levels. The academic difficulty will rise over the years, but once students get to their senior year, it will be one of the easiest and most exciting year. Every palmer student should make every year count and make the best memories while doing so.
