It's back to the grind for River Valley

It is that time again: School is back in session, and the students at River Valley High School have reluctantly returned. After a three-week hiatus, the students are back and rearing to go. Some are excited to be back with their friends while others, not so much.

When asked to comment, senior Robby Deave responded: "Are you kidding? I wish break were longer."

It seems that everyone treated the extended break period like summer vacation, so it may take some time for the realization to sink in. But it better be soon if the students are to stick to their New Year's resolutions. You would not want a repeat of last year, now, would you?

The new year has come with its share of surprises, some that we could have done without. A whopping 6.5 quake and a slightly higher temblor measuring in at 7.0 ravaged the city of Eureka and island nation of Haiti, respectively, causing millions of dollars in damage and leaving many without homes.

Nearby areas are spooked by the quakes that hit so close to home. However, the earthquakes did not shake up charitable involvement. To do their part, American Red Cross members are putting together a fundraiser to help those suffering from the disasters. In times like these, survivors need all the help they can get, and it is programs like this that make all the difference.

Other than that, not much has happened at RVHS, really, seeing as it is still our first week back. Inside the classroom, time just seems to fly by, so there is never a dull moment. Being in the same period with friends has its perks, too. And student opinions is divided down the middle regarding whether they have easier or more challenging classes this semester.

Alison Jarvis, a senior, said, "I do not have to study as much as I did last year, so that is a plus, but I still am taking my schoolwork very seriously."

Even amidst the hustle and bustle of high school life, the seniors find time to reminisce about their time here at RVHS — myself included. Maybe everyone is all hyped up and anxious to be handed their diploma already. Or maybe most of us are feeling uneasy at the thought of becoming an adult, or the fact that we will soon be responsible for ourselves.

This is both a scary and exhilarating time for us, and our high school experiences will be certainly be put to the test, especially for those who are going to college in the fall. These last few months should not be taken lightly, for high school graduation is essentially a rite of passage into adulthood. You only get to experience high school once, so make the best of it.

Aizell Kittles is a senior at River Valley High School. His column appears about every sixth week in Education.