The first day of school is a phrase that evokes many feelings, though not always the most positive ones. While the approach of summer signals a sense of never-ending relaxation, the beginning of each new school year ushers back feelings of stress and anxiety. For Dubs, each student takes a different approach to coping with the end of their summer. In the end, each Dub has a first day of school experience that is uniquely theirs.
For juniors who are starting their IB journeys, this year’s first day of school looked very different than previous years. Many attempted to gain insight from their teachers on the challenges that their new exploit might entail. Still, many were not ready for the intensity with which their teachers greeted them, as opposed to other years with icebreakers and warm welcomes. One of the most shocking things was the IB Literature summer reading test that rivaled both their Sophomore and Freshmen year summer reading projects. Many felt that this test really set the scene to define how different this year was going to be from the rest. Junior Keelin LaHiff said, “The first day of school definitely felt different and highlighted how IB will be for the next 2 years.”
Senior Marin Cochran saw the first day as an opportunity to reflect on his high school career so far. They explained that this year was one of the most relaxed first days they have experienced. Being a part of IB, all of his classes were a continuation, so there was not too much extra navigation to do especially compared to freshmen year. It is safe to say that almost all seniors have grown from one first day to the next. At a school the size of North Atlanta, four years of growth shrinks the size of the school in comparison and dwarfs the feeling of being overwhelmed as compared to the first day of freshman year. “The first day of Senior year has for sure been my favorite so far.” Cochran said, “From senior sunrise to the better relationships with teachers, it was just an overall good experience.”
For Dubs, these different back-to-school experiences are a different part of their overall K – 12 journey. Whether good or bad, each student is likely to carry these core school memories with them for the rest of their lives, or at the very least, carry the coveted first day of school picture with them.
