CandyMag.Com

Today is my first day as a sophomore in UP, Diliman. Back last week, which was enrollment week, I wasn’t feeling it yet but I must admit, it was quite funny to see the new freshmen getting lost and not knowing where to go. But I am proud to say that I have helped rather a lot of them since I completely understand what they were going through. I guess I am back to reading 500+ pages of a textbook, doing lab experiments, and understanding the laws of inertia. But it is the first day, and do you think first days of school are somehow different than the rest? If you think so, what does make it different? I have had 14 “first days” in my life and I have grabbed differences here and there.

Disclaimer: These are just mainly what I have observed, it’s completely subjective, everyone! So you may agree and may not agree to some of them.

1. Everyone (okay maybe not everyone but most of the people I have asked) wakes up extra early during his or her first days of school for a reason that they do not know and I am extremely intrigued about. My theory behind that is maybe no matter how much they deny it, their bodies are just simply excited for school! Haha!
2. When inside the classroom, everyone finds a seat (except the front seats) with either a friend or none at all.
   • With a friend: The two of them would end up just talking to one another and shy to mingle with others.
   • With no one at all: The person will first start looking at his/her phone and fake texting or even play games but after a while when someone sits beside him/her, interaction begins. Plus, a new friend for the new school year.
3. The student is too afraid to start using the new intermediate pads, index cards, notebooks and more because of its “new paper smell” (oh I just love that smell), and the thought that its beautiful pages will turn into scratch paper with their poor penmanship and constant doodling. Hehe!
4. During break time, when a student is not in the section or class of his barkada, he immediately texts them to go fetch him up in the classroom.
   
   My college barkada who I happen to be the same major as I am which in that case are my classmates in most classes! Yay!
5. You’ll see constant flocking of students together in various groups. Everyone will come and just stick together during the first day but sooner or later when everyone has adjusted, you’ll see a lot of students walking alone and okay with transferring to another classroom by themselves.
   
   The boys will always come flocking together.
6. High School Students: They would rush to the canteen and reserve a spot/table for them since that would mean that table is theirs for the rest of the year.
   College Students: They would talk for half an hour just deciding where they would eat because of so many choices given to them. (Especially if you’re in UP)
7. This is probably the most obvious one, student introduction. Every first day will have its share of “Hi, I’m Rubie Ganzon, 18 years old and I’m currently taking up BS Biology. My hobbies are…” and somehow, doing that for a lost of years now, it has been second nature to me. Of course, everyone’s all shy introducing themselves especially when the extras come like hobbies, interests, favorite quote, you name it but it’s always a great way for people to know you and your chance to give a good and lasting impression.

Some of them may be not obvious to see but I guess that’s the first day high and truly first days should never be missed. Get up from those 12 hours of sleep over the summer and go back to school mode! Make the most out of your first day, because just maybe if you start with a great smile on your face, you’ll end with it too!

Wishing everyone a great year,
Rubie