The start of a school year marks both beginnings and endings. For freshmen, the first week brings new classes with unfamiliar teachers, different routines, and a first glimpse at what’s to come in the next four years. For seniors, it’s the beginning of a final chapter filled with familiar hallways, newfound privileges, and a countdown to graduation.
Freshmen and seniors shared their impressions of the first week, speaking on expectations, experiences, and the opportunities that lie ahead at different points in their high school journeys.
SENIOR CLASS OF 2026
Communications senior Inga Black
Q- What was your first day of school like this year?
A- “Knowing that it (was) my last (first) day, it was all kind of stressful. Figuring out my schedule felt sentimental. I grew to appreciate the stress and that feeling of the first day school environment, because I won’t be experiencing it again.”
Q- What are you sad to leave behind after graduating?
A- “The routine. It’s been something I’ve been practicing for four years. Now that’s gonna be completely removed from my life, and I’m gonna start completely over. I’m definitely gonna miss the routine of seeing my friends every morning, having teachers to talk to, having something to do during the day, and being around so many people in such a supporting environment.”
Visual arts senior Stevie Gonzalez
Q- Looking back on your freshman year, what’s changed in terms of how you view the school, your journey academically and personally, and goals over the years?
A- “Freshman year, I feel like I was a new baby, like I just got out of the womb, and I was still trying to find myself, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. But then I found the fashion world, and that’s where I am inclined to go. This senior year, I want to focus on that.”
Piano senior Christopher Linson
Q- How does it feel knowing that this will be your last year experiencing Fun Friday, SGA events, and other experiences the school offers?
A- “Honestly, it’s not really the events I’m gonna miss. It’s the people in the environment I’m gonna miss. I know I’m gonna miss all my friends and everything, but the events are just secondary things.”
Visual arts senior Alessio Bangs Quesada
Q- What are your aspirations and fears for the upcoming year?
A- “I’m a little bit afraid of college boot camp. I wonder how much that’s gonna be to take on. Other than that, my aspirations are just to keep getting straight A’s and try not to fall into senioritis as best as I can.”
FRESHMAN CLASS OF 2029
Communications freshman Brianna Mack
Q- What was your first day of school like this year?
A- “My first day of school was really confusing because I’m used to getting to a place and understanding how it works. I got onto the campus, and it was huge, and I had no clue where to go. But once I found my way, it was really awesome. It was such a breath of fresh air because I have so many new opportunities I get to pursue.”
Q- How accurate would you say your incoming expectations and stereotypes about high school were?
A- “They were completely off. I was expecting a terrifying place and a lot of confusion, but it’s been pretty straightforward and easy. I’m really excited for the year, a lot more excited than I was during the summer to be here.”
Theatre freshman Daniela Weinstein
Q- What has been difficult about the transition from middle school to high school?
A- “I miss the shorter classes and the rotating schedule at my middle school. The block schedule is going to take a while to get used to. Dreyfoos is pretty much what I expected. It’s definitely not like your usual high school.”
Visual arts freshman Ashley Carbo
Q- Throughout the week, what moments have stood out to you as particularly meaningful?
A- “Meeting new people and making new friends was definitely a meaningful experience. I was nervous to meet all of my new teachers because I was worried about balancing academics with my art area and grades. But, they all seemed very nice and understanding.”
Strings freshman Graham Sober
Q- What do you hope to achieve this school year?
A- “I really want to get all A’s every quarter because trying to get good grades is my main goal. I am also really hoping to perform at the Prism concert because I have seen it before when my brothers went to Dreyfoos, and it looked really fun to be in.”
While freshmen and seniors stand at different points in their high school experience, both enter the year with change lying ahead. Whether adjusting to a new environment or preparing to leave it, the first week for both groups opens the door to new experiences and memories.
