This is the Class of 2023’s year! We are finally seniors, after what felt like an eternity of pandemics, schedule changes, and meetings for worship (virtual AND in-person ones). I interviewed a few seniors to see how students are feeling about the year that lies ahead. I asked all of them the following question: “How are you feeling about senior year?” Many of them initially responded with “hm,” or “I don’t know.” To be fair, I don’t know either.

Day Student Prefect Maya Kowalska reflected: “As a senior I feel like I have to be a
community leader, whether it is being tennis captain or as a day student prefect. I use this to motivate myself to be the best version of me inside and outside the classroom.” Maya’s message is echoed throughout the community of seniors.

Boarding Prefect Max Forstein stated; “It is fun to be the leading class.”

Day student Izzy Kim contemplated the pros and cons of senior year: “I think it is the hardest but most exciting year of high school. I think there is a ton of pressure haunting us right now but, senior year will be full of the most lasting memories of prom, graduation, and so much more.” Izzy’s optimism is shared by others in the grade.

Day Student Prefect Gracie Sanchez stated, “ I’m super excited for college and what the future can bring (and I know all of our teachers and adults do an amazing job at preparing us) but I’m also scared for 2 things: that it’s going to fly by and I take it for granted and also that college is super super scary, I’ve never experienced anything like that and I know it will be a difficult journey to leave everyone.” Gracie’s apprehensions about college are common for many seniors.

When asked how she was feeling about senior year, day student Blake Barrigh shared, “I am stressed about college applications. Also, I still feel like a junior.”

It seems as though many of us still feel like juniors, or even freshmen. With the new
schedule, some shared they feel lost or confused, even after being a GS student for three years. “The new schedule is EXHAUSTING. It also feels so weird to be only class who experienced GS pre-covid,” said Boarding Prefect Jhané Brooker.

Day student Eric Ke agreed, stating, “The schedule is a bit funky, but hopefully we will get used to it.”

Boarding Prefect Maia Hannah-Drullard shared, “I feel like the vibes of the class itself are good. We are all…bonding over the struggle [because] we are…being thrown into so much [and] can’t fall even a little behind.” Maia’s feelings about the work load are shared throughout the class.

“Senior year is hard,” said Boarding Prefect Elizabeth Bugayev. “They ask a lot of us and hold us to high standards. It is just nonstop ‘go, go, go.’”

While many of us are stressed for our final year at GS, it does help to see the silver
lining. Boarding Prefect Teresa Liang said she’s “excited to graduate and looking forward to spring,” when she can enjoy the campus more.

Prefect Maya Kowalska also stated, “The silver lining about school is that I get to play spikeball with friends.”

And with that, friends, I give you Curious George’s Word on the Street: Class of 2023 Edition. I hope that we can all try to appreciate our last year in this special community. As the GS hymm states, “We are gathered here at George School, striving for a way of life.” Let’s strive to be the best versions of ourselves this year, and finish strong.