Back to school is always an exciting time, but returning to school at the end of the first quarter is an unprecedented ‘adventure’. Many students are shocked at the realization that a quarter has already passed. Others have felt that this time during online school has stretched on for what feels like an eternity.

Junior Chase Lohry has conflicted feelings about how long this quarter felt. “In the moment it felt long,” Lohry explained, “yet looking back it feels incredibly short.”

Junior Ava Coups felt that the first quarter went by more quickly than anticipated. In terms of heading back to school, Coups lamented, “I will miss the 15 minute breaks [between classes] as it gave me time to relax.”

Lohry expressed similar feelings: “It was nice to be able to cool down and take a break after each class. Although, I’m not sure if the school would be able to teach an entire year’s worth of lessons with the shortened time frame.”

While online, classes were 30 minutes with 15 minutes between as opposed to the usual 43 minutes with only 4 minutes between classes.

Sophomore Kylee Podunavac shared a relatable sorrow: “The thing I’ll miss about online school is being able to stay in my bed.”

While there is much to be sad about at the end of this quarter, there’s also much to celebrate. With quarter two starting, it’s a blank slate for the new in-person experience.

“Although I’m opposed to returning, online school has proven to be a pretty terrible alternative to in-person, at least for me,” Lohry stated.

Quarantine has marked an extended period of time away from friends. Instead of seeing classmates almost daily, months passed before many of us were able to spend time with our friends. While socializing isn’t necessarily part of school curriculum, spending time with people whom you relate with can boost positive mental and emotional health, a key aspect of doing well in school.

Students like Lohry and Coups are excited to spend time with friends again.

“Being cooped up and barely being able to see my friends made this quarter especially harder,” Lohry confided.

“I miss being taught face-to-face, but since we’re going back to school that won’t be a problem anymore,” sophomore Kylee Podunavac stated.

While online school had its perks, such as extended breaks between classes, a real lunch hour, and no dreaded early morning bus ride, it certainly had its drawbacks.

“I hope this next quarter will go more smoothly,” shared Lohry, “I thought online school would be a breeze, but I was wrong. I think the in-person lessons will go as smoothly as they can in a pandemic, which isn’t saying much. Chunky peanut butter levels of smoothness,” Lohry joked.

Whether you return to the school building or whether you’re one of the few students choosing to remain online, there’s no knowing what the next quarter will bring. But no matter what it holds, we’ll get through it.

Happy end of the first quarter, everyone!