For years, my mom has woken me up on the first day of school with the “Welcome Back” theme song from “Welcome Back, Kotter,” a popular sitcom from the 1970s that feels somewhat outdated for us to truly appreciate. However, as I enter my senior year, I have come to realize that it fits perfectly. If you feel inclined, open Spotify and tune in while you read.
Freshmen, your first day is almost here! It’s completely normal to feel nervous when everything is new and a little blurry. To help you feel more confident and prepared, here are a few tips from your Senior brothers to help you get started.
Exploring the Unknown
On the first day, you’ll encounter many new faces and names, but don’t worry, everyone has an ID lanyard with their name on it. In addition, you’ll easily recognize all of your classmates because they’re all wearing khakis.
If you didn’t attend summer school or summer athletics, getting familiar with the building and hallways may feel challenging at first, but I promise, it’s nothing like “Backrooms.” If you get lost, just ask an upperclassman, anyone wearing a different color of slacks than you. We got you!
“We were in your shoes and know how it feels to be nervous. Never be afraid to make that first move and strike up a conversation; we all appreciate the gesture.”
– Sutton Wall ’27, Student Council Vice President
The Freshman Steps are a great place to meet others, so make sure to take a seat there after breakfast or lunch. While the clock is ticking, snap a first day photo with you and your friends, and be sure to do so before 8:50 or you may find yourself empty-handed until school gets out at 3:35. Remember, phones aren’t allowed inside the building during school hours, and if you’re caught with it, Mr. Aquino will be sure to take it up. Speaking of Mr. Aquino, he’s really cool, but he will bring you a razor to deal with any hint of stubble. His eyes are sharp, and he can spot when that top button is undone, so be sure to read up and follow the dress code in the handbook. Trust me, these rules aren’t just for school, they’re a great preparation for the real world.
Are You Hungry?
When it comes to lunchtime, finding that first seat can feel like a tactical operation if you don’t have a built-in friend network. But don’t overthink it, there’s no seating chart and no “cool table” approval board. You’ll quickly learn that guys generally don’t mind who sits with them, we all just want to eat and briefly forget about our homework. Brothers, be welcoming and open to one another, that’s how Rangers do it. And of course, about the food, it’s from Thomas Cuisine, and it’s tasty! Be sure to check out food reviews by Senior Taylor Ripley at @ripsfoodreview on Instagram.
“The food is very good; it’s a daily reminder [of] how lucky we are to be at Jesuit because of how well we are fed and treated in the cafeteria.”
– Taylor Ripley ’27
Another note, if you see the courtyard next to the cafeteria, make sure not to go in there; it’s strictly off-limits to any student who is not a senior. This is the Senior Courtyard, and if you step foot in there before your senior year, the seniors will make you “ride the bull.”
Freshman Fails
In your first few weeks, you will make mistakes, and so will every other freshman. Here are some common freshman fails you might want to keep your head up for.
- You’re going to lose that big blue bag your parents bought you in the summer. Remember, it has your name on it, so just retrace your steps, and it’ll be back in your hands in no time.
- You’re probably going to lose clothes and shoes in the locker room, or you’re going to forget your tie after morning practice. These things are tough to remember in the first weeks, but keep an extra in your bag, and you’ll have the full attire routine down soon. Student affairs has extra items if you need a belt, tie, or if you rip your pants playing hacky sack. Trust me, it happens. Ask Senior Asher Meachem about it.
- You’re probably going to be late to a class or two. Some of you will have a class that’s 10 steps away from where you were before, while others will find themselves trekking to the opposite side of the school. You can’t control how far you have to walk, but you can control when you leave. If you have a free period, PRT or Community Time before your next class, give yourself a good five to 10 minutes to get to your class.
Look Around
The first days are really just about everyone trying to act like they know what they’re doing, while absolutely not knowing what they’re doing. Just take a look around. You might fit in right away, or you might be quietly strategizing where you fit in. But with time, these thoughts fade away, and just like that, you’ll find your place at Jesuit. Everyone feels the same, and in your class, everyone seems to look the same. Just check out your classmates’ ice cream scoop haircuts and low taper fades!
Every week will be a good week, with a good reason to look forward to the end of the week. For those who don’t know, Chick-fil-A is a Friday afternoon “unspoken” school tradition. Set yourself up on Apple Pay and tell your mom and dad it’s an unofficial reward for surviving the week, or practice, or that one math class.
Conclusion
Freshman brothers, take it all in, because it goes by fast. You are all starting at zero together on an equal playing field, meaning everyone is equally confident and equally lost, just some with better acting skills than others. My biggest piece of advice for you is to say “yes” to opportunities you are given and use your time at Jesuit wisely.
“There’s no need to be nervous, everyone around you is going through high school for the first time as well. Enjoy it because it doesn’t last as long as you think it does.”
– Mack Murphy ’27
In these next four years, you will spend much more time here than you realize, so make it count. Don’t just sit at the same lunch table or same spot outside on your phone, hop around and meet others, get involved in a new sport, attend games, learn traditions, join The Roundup and explore the various clubs Jesuit offers. At Jesuit, you can “choose your own adventure.” The wildest part about it all is that these four years will disappear faster than you expect. One day, you’ll look around and realize this place that once felt huge somehow became small, familiar and a second home you didn’t know you were building while growing up.
One final note: as you exit the car on the first day, don’t just grab your backpack and bounce. Take a second, give mom a kiss, or dad a hug, because they’re just as nervous, yet proud as you are to be here.
Tune into The Roundup for Episode 3 of The Pulse Check!
Featured Image Credit: @jesuitdallas on Instagram
