Getting back in the swing of things

One of the most dreaded and anticipated events in a teenager's year is the beginning of school, when the "lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" are replaced by the routine of classes. Students hit the ground running, being assigned homework and tests even in the first week of school.

Now it's already the third week of school, and I find myself wondering, "Where has all the time gone?" Suddenly, I am starting my senior year, not looking forward to college applications and my huge senior project.

But going back to school isn't all bad. New teachers, new lockers, new class schedules and even new classmates make the atmosphere more exciting, along with seeing friends again every day after summer's separation.

"I'm actually glad to get back to school," said senior Faith Philipp. "It's good to get back in the swing of things."

This year's student council of nine is already working hard to encourage band and sports kids, seniors and freshmen and so on to spend time together.

On the first Friday back to school, the student council hosted a back-to-school mixer, where high-schoolers could get together, hang out for a while and have fun and get to know each other. It was just a night of swimming, silly games, food and good company, but the students had a blast.

"It kind of got all the nerves out and helped us to be comfortable around each other," said sophomore Kaylee Poppinga.

Another huge event that takes place at the beginning of each year is the retreat to Sky Mountain. We take a few days in September to go up into the mountains and bond with each other — especially the seniors, who leave a day earlier than the other classes.

The camp is broken up into six teams which compete against each other in various activities, such as poster design, original skits and games, all to help us learn teamwork and to grow closer to each other. The teams are composed of boys and girls from every class. By the time we leave the mountain every year, the entire school is pumped and ready for the new year, and bonds and friendships have been formed and strengthened.

In our small school, the students act like a family. The bonds that we form now, at the beginning of the year, affect how the rest of the year will play out. Even the teachers, as our mentors, are part of this family.

Knowing that we are all in this together helps us build friendships that will last even after the last day of high school is over.

Katherine McLain is a senior at Faith Christian High School. Her column appears about every sixth week in Education.