August 28, 2014
Tuesday was the first day school was in session for all students.
I was able to observe students in a number of settings throughout that day and it set me to wondering what goes through the mind of a Freshman Falcon (FF). My first day of high school was 43 years ago so I apologize in advance if these imaginings do not reflect the experience of the 331 new faces on campus.
- We have a new chaplain Fr. Tom Lavin, a Conventual Franciscan. As Fr. Tom greets students in the main hallway, FF wonders what’s with the guy wearing a hoody, a robe, a rope belt, and sandals?
- Scurrying through the front door, only a few minutes ahead of 8:00am, FF blithely walks over the school seal and then wonders if she’s in trouble when Dr. Barker and Mr. Campbell correct her.
- FF deals with the challenge of sequencing – “Do I put my bag in my locker and then go the Kane Center and then to my community?”
- When the locker doesn’t open, FF begins to panic. Seeking help, the FF with locker 53 learns that the combination was going to be difficult because he kept trying locker 23 – it’s gonna be a long four years. Ms. Lopez to the rescue.
- FF sits on the bleachers in the Kane Center trying to take in the immensity of the seniors who sit in chairs on the gym floor – They’re high school kids? They look like men and women.
- Unsure how loudly to applaud, FF offers a guarded response to the enthusiasm of Student Government leaders Sean O’Connor and Zach Joyner. Wow, those two sure love this place.
- FF likes lunch; everyone likes lunch at Good Counsel. But, where to sit for the first time? FF processes a choice that, since students are creatures of habit, could last an entire semester.
It’s easy to be amused but navigating your way in a new culture is always an anxious experience. Getting to know school takes time. What makes the way easier to find is that Our Lady of Good Counsel High School is a place of encouragement. In the warmth of their welcome and their readiness to assist, the returning students and our faculty and staff make our school a happy place where success is attainable, every day.
Welcome, Freshmen Falcons, Class of 2018.
