As we move into the fall, each day will get a little bit shorter and every carefree summer moment will slowly fade into memory. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing; in fact, it is quite the contrary.
With the change of the seasons and the beginning of Andover, we have the opportunity to change and challenge ourselves to take on the school year with no regrets. Pull yourself out of the lazy, carefree summer routine and be ready to be thrown head-on into the fast-paced community that Andover is.
For those who are new to Andover, whether you’re an incoming Junior, Lower, Upper or even a post-graduate, it is perfectly okay to be a little nervous. Take a breath, relax and trust me on this one: you will love it here. I arrived on campus last year as a new Lower, shaking from head to toe, with absolutely no idea of what to expect. There were hard times and missteps, from bad test grades and trivial girl drama to a rejected club app or two, but these were only bumps on the road. Over the course of last year, I have made the best friends I have ever had and have realized that with hard work, you can get that illustrious six. By June, Andover was no longer just a school to me. It was my home.
But like any typical teenager, I was dreading the beginning of school. It meant that the breezy, lackadaisical days of vacation, friends and leisure were over. Instead, we will be faced with long nights filled with last minute cramming, bitter coffee, unfair tests and a never ending pile of work. Despite this, there was a part of me that couldn’t wait until the first day of school. That small part of me counted down the days with anticipation, longing for the familiar smell of my dorm room, the friendly chatter of my classmates and even forthcoming assignments, not for the joy of doing homework, but for the feeling of accomplishment gained from a job well done.
It might sound crazy to be looking forward to school, but at Andover, the school year will comprise of much more than tests and quizzes. You will encounter some of the brightest minds, the kindest souls and the greatest friends while on this campus. You will hear award-winning speakers, participate in mind-blowing classes and simply enjoy the everyday bustle and energy that thrives in this ultra-competitive environment. Anything is possible, and things you never even dreamt of can and will happen. A whole lifetime’s worth of experience is waiting to be found at Andover—you just have to be ready when it comes crashing in your face.
I’m not saying that these four years will be the best of your life; that is entirely up to you. But if you have the opportunity to make them great, why not go for it?
Katia Lezine is a two-year Upper from Winston-Salem, NC, and an Assoicate Commentary Editor for The Phillipian.
