With the arrival of the first day of school Aug. 11, many students have reflected their thoughts, particularly their ups and downs about the start of the new school year.

“The first days were pretty good,” freshman Lucas Mejia said. “I have a lot of friends here so that’s nice. The teachers seem pretty nice for the most part, not a crazy amount of work. At the same time, this was kind of the same in sixth grade because you also felt lost [at first], so it’s not a completely new feeling. Obviously, there’s less free time involved.”

For students new to high school, the workload has varied, with most teachers cooperating as the freshmen adapt to high school. Many students can agree that reuniting with their friends has been one of the best parts of returning back to school.

“I think I have way too much work right now, and I’m stressed out of my mind, but I have made great friends,” sophomore Lielle Levy said.

Returning students have conveyed their stress about the balance between large amounts of work, personal lives and the future. However, the new friendships and opportunities have been a highlight of the daunting first weeks.

“[The first few weeks of school] were honestly really awesome, I got to reconnect with some people that I haven’t talked to in a really long time. I’m really just having a blast, just enjoying all the electives I chose to take this year,” senior Charlotte Krause said. “I am also excited for all the trips for choir, I’m excited to be a music director, I’m excited for the tennis team and I’m excited to enjoy everything about choir, and just live my senior year.”

While the work may be intimidating, Krause’s excitement also captures many students’ feelings on exploring electives, clubs, and opportunities. Students hope to make the most out of a new school year full of potential and unique experiences.

“The first few weeks back at school have been good, nothing too stressful yet to complain about,” junior Noah Gomez said. “I’m excited about finishing this year, and going into my last year as a high schooler; going into my senior year and having all the fun events. This year is different compared to the others because it is the hardest and most important of the four years, and I really need to lock in and focus on my grades.”

For juniors the challenge is keeping up with determining coursework, but for seniors, the excitement lies in enjoying the transitions and opportunities that come with their last year.

“Overall, I’ve had a good time getting to know everyone and the campus,” Levy said. “I’m really excited for the rest of high school.”