Can you believe we’re already back? I sure can’t! I, like I’m sure most of you, had a fantastic, relaxing summer, but I’m so excited to be at Gateway for my final year. There are a lot of changes this year at Gateway, like the implementation of identification lanyards, new staff, and the second coming of the Pacer test, but the first day atmosphere remained the same!
As a senior, I arrived at Gateway bright and early at 6:00 am to watch the sunrise with my friends. Sure, we missed the memo that the real Senior Sunrise was on the following Monday, but we had a blast anyway! Sitting in an empty parking lot with friends, donuts, and pumpkin spice lattes to watch the sunrise the morning of senior year is a memory we are sure to never forget.
Gateway morale was high from the get-go when the jovial cheerleaders lined the entrance, shaking their pompoms and cheering. Teachers and staff members stood on the sides as well, eager to see their students after a long summer. While we missed the loudspeaker music this year, it made it easier for friends to catch up, teachers to meet their new Morning Meetings, and the newcomer students to find their classes.
The first week of school was just as exciting, as students were finally able to meet all of their teachers and start to find out more information about their classes, but it was incredibly busy! My friends and I were shocked at our increasing exhaustion over the course of the week but are glad to finally be back in a schedule, even if that schedule is daunting. We’re slowly adjusting our sleep schedules, crafting study routines, and getting re-used to receiving Google Classroom notifications every five minutes.
It will take a couple weeks to fully get back in the complete academic, Gateway mindset, but we will all get there! It’s only September, and we have so much to look forward to. Even when times get tough, and you would rather be curled up in bed, take a breath and realize your time as a high school student is limited. There is only so much time for you to make the memories, commiserate with friends, and find out what is important to you.
So, listen to one of my favorites, Joan Didion, and, “Seize the moment.”
Josh Friedman • Sep 22, 2024 at 10:27 am
Great article Laurel! Who gets to decide when Senior Sunrise happens? You pick the day that works for you. Glad you had fun. Have a great year!
Melissa • Sep 16, 2024 at 12:22 pm
Great article Laurel!
Ms. Powell • Sep 15, 2024 at 8:42 pm
I love how you all had your own Senior Sunrise! You made the best of it! Have a wonderful year!