A Hot Take on the Slow Start

By Maggie Lipson 26’ (Head of Layout and Design)

As a senior, the slow start to the academic year was very college-oriented, meaning that, for the first two days of school, we spent a lot of time in College Counseling class to prepare the applications we would have to submit in the coming months. Before the second day, we did the Senior Sunrise and car decorating, which was super fun and an awesome way to start the year. We also heard a bit of FCS history with Grant Calder and talked about AI with John Daves. These conversations helped prepare us for the rest of senior year. 

The most impactful parts of the first two days were the time to work on our STARS, which is what we use to apply to PITT and Penn State, and the bonding done during Senior Sunrise and car decorating. The breakfast and the music playing created an amazing atmosphere to start the year out together.

On the Friday of the first week, the last day to our slow start, we headed to Hawk Mountain as a grade. Although the time we spent at Hawk Mountain was very short, the lookouts were beautiful. It was also fun to spend time as a grade, even if, during parts of it, we were complaining. I also enjoyed the time on the bus ride that we spent together.

Overall, I think the slow start approach that we decided to take this year was a really nice way to ease into the school year to create more of a bond between the seniors. It also worked to help us feel less stressed about the college process by giving us time before we had to lock in completely on school. 

Cred: Friends’ Central smugmug