As we slowly ease our way back into the school year, we have officially reached the second month of school. To some, this isn’t too exciting of a mark, but it can be still important to point out and recognize. By now, most of us are comfortable with our surroundings and the schedule, but it wasn’t always this way.
Of course, nobody is excited about going back to school. We can be anxious, upset, and even angry about the fact that our long summer break is ending. So many people feel this way about going back to school. Students feel this way, but even staff members and teachers are surely not excited to come back to school after a huge 3-month break. So, the big question is… What would make things easier for people who don’t like going back to school?
I interviewed one freshman and one parent of a student at Bellingham High School about their perspectives on their first month of school and what advice they’d give for people who don’t like going back to school. Firstly, I interviewed Arabella Schanken (shay-ken), a freshman at Bellingham High School. As a freshman in high school, it’s a tough start. We’re put into a completely new environment, getting used to the basics of high school, which can oftentimes be confusing and perhaps stressful, so we need all the advice we can get.
The first question I had asked Arabella was, “How are you feeling about the first month of school?”
Arabella responded, “It’s pretty good, a little stressed about (certain) classes and my grades, but I think I’ll make it work.”
My second question was, “What do you like to do to prepare for back to school?”
“I prepare by going to sleep earlier and I also like to prepare and buy all my school supplies before school so it’s easier for myself.” Arabella answered.
The final question I had asked Arabella was, “Do you have any advice you can give to other students to prepare or even enjoy going back to school?”
She thought about this for a moment, before responding, “Find a friend group or friend[s] to hang out with, stay on top of classes and schoolwork, and DON’T stress too much about classes. It is not worth the trouble.”
Overall, I wholeheartedly agree with what Arabella said. Her advice is helpful, because getting a good night’s rest can help you focus more, along with preparing who you hang out with, and what school supplies you carry around are important to figure out, as they’re keys to enjoying your school days – and even your whole school year overall.
The final person I interviewed was a parent. The reason I chose to interview this parent is because they would have some of the most experience on going back to school, as they were once kids themselves.
The first question I asked him was the same as Arabella’s, to get more than one perspective, which was, “How are you feeling about the first month of school as a parent?”
The parent responded, “I’m happy because [my student] has adjusted to the first month really well. Getting up early and being on time for the bus is a big change when summer ends. My student has done a great job getting back into the swing of things with a new school schedule.”
The second question I asked him was, “As a parent, how did you feel when you had to go back to school as a kid? Did you like it? Why or why not?”
“I was always disappointed when Summer ended. It usually took a few months of a new school year for me to feel comfortable and adapt to being back in school every day,” The parent said, “I always felt like the school year got easier once I started having homework and a set of expectations in each of my classes.”
The final question I asked was the same for both interviewees – “Do you have any advice to parents or students to help prepare or even enjoy going back to school?”
“Just relax and enjoy learning! High School can feel a bit overwhelming for the students and the parents, but those are challenges everyone can work together to get through.” The parent said, and I agree wholeheartedly. It’s not worth your stress over learning. There are so many resources that’ll help you understand the topics and lessons in class, so you shouldn’t stay up learning and stressing.
So, the answer to the question from earlier, “What would make things easier for people who don’t like going back to school?” – In my honest opinion, taking in what Arabella and the parent have said is that you should prepare in advance for school. Get some cute or unique school supplies that you’ll need, get clothes that make you feel comfortable in your own skin and just do your best, putting your best foot forward.
