As the new school year picks up, so does the stress. Just as we become accustomed to the sweet serenity of summer, we are thrust into the busiest season on campus: fall semester. Ah, fall. The most wonderful time of year to adapt to our new AP classes, to rush to our never-ending club meetings, to cram in some chapters of Jane Eyre and try our best to make it to the volleyball game that night.

As students journey through their education, they commonly increase their involvement on campus. Think about it: Could you say you have the same level of participation that you did in your fragile years as a sixth grader? I know I can’t. It feels like every semester I’m part of something new. A few years ago, I didn’t even know lunch meetings existed, and now I find myself attending multiple meetings a week.

“I have definitely become more involved,” said junior Cami Cooke, the new varsity cheer manager and softball player, when asked about her life as a student. But as students’ resumes expand, it becomes harder and harder to find time for events like games and plays.

In an effort to make this year “the best year ever,” many students have added a new level of school spirit to their plate.  In the short time I have been back on campus, I’ve seen a huge spike in the amount of students showing their Saint pride. Whether it be at a sporting event, a relay during a pep rally, or even an announcement in assembly, Saints are bleeding blue and gold.

But when you see a seventh grader working on their math homework in the middle of a volleyball game, the question must be asked: Has the pressure to become the ultimate Saint gone too far? As much as I love to support my classmates, and I do love going to games and performances, I feel a sense of guilt when I decide to spend my night at home catching up on Netflix instead.

As I adjust to my new classes, my planner continues to fill and vague physics problems are thrown my way (ex. A ball is thrown from Jupiter, what color is my shirt?). Although many have failed, it is possible to show your spirit while conquering your new schedule. Mr. Kyle McGimsey, last year’s Booster Club Fan of the Year, has already attended nearly every event since the school year has started, including a cameo in the summer production of Spamalot.

“It’s worth it, even if it means a late night or an early morning. If you don’t go, you never get to see that stuff,” McGimsey said. “I feel like when I was in high school I missed out on all that. I didn’t appreciate how important and fun it was.”

So when you hear: “Are you going to the game tonight?” from a kid in your math class as you work on an endless list of problems, don’t feel obligated to prove your Saint spirit. But I encourage you to join that new club, chant the alma mater in the rain, and body paint your way to victory. Just try to finish your history reading first.

As the new school year picks up, so does the stress. Just as we become accustom to the sweet serenity of summer, we are thrust into the busiest season on campus: fall semester. Ah, fall. The most wonderful time of year to adapt to our new AP classes, to rush to our never-ending club meetings, to cram in some chapters of Jane Eyre and try our best to make it to the volleyball game that night.

As students journey through their education, they commonly increase their involvement on campus. Think about it: Could you say you have the same level of participation than you did in your fragile years as a sixth grader? I know I can’t. It feels like every semester I’m part of something new. A few years ago, I didn’t even know lunch meetings existed, and now I find myself attending multiple meetings a week.

“I have definitely become more involved,” said junior Cami Cooke, the new varsity cheer manager and softball player, when asked about her life as a student. But as students’ resumes expand, it becomes harder and harder to find time for events like games and plays.

In effort to make this year “the best year ever,” many students have added a new level of school spirit to their plate.  In the short time I have been back on campus, I’ve seen a huge spike in the amount of students showing their Saint pride. Whether it be at a sporting event, a relay during a pep rally, or even an announcement in assembly, Saints are bleeding blue and gold.

But when you see a seventh grader working on his math homework in the middle of a volleyball game, the question must be asked: Has the pressure to become the ultimate Saint gone too far?

As much as I love to support my classmates – and I do love going to games and performances – I feel a sense of guilt when I decide to spend my night at home watching up Netflix instead.

As I adjust to my new classes, my planner continues to fill and vague physics problems are thrown my way (ex. A ball is thrown from Jupiter, what color is my shirt?).

Although many have failed, it is possible to show your spirit while conquering your new schedule.

Mr. Kyle McGimsey, last year’s Booster Club Fan of the Year, has already attended nearly every event since the school year has started, including a cameo in the summer production of Spamalot.

“It’s worth it, even if it means a late night or an early morning. If you don’t go, you never get to see that stuff,” McGimsey said. “I feel like when I was in high school I missed out on all that. I didn’t appreciate how important and fun it was.”

So when you hear: “Are you going to the game tonight?” from a kid in your math class as you work on an endless list of problems, don’t feel obligated to prove your Saint spirit. But I encourage you to join that new club, chant the alma mater in the rain and body paint your way to victory. Just try to finish your history reading first.