Freshman Experience

Alec Manzer: My First Day at the Prep

Posted October 25th, 2016

The morning of my first day was complete chaos. I lost my uniform, almost missed my ride to school, and it just didn’t seem like the day was going to go my way. The drive felt like forever, and I wasn’t sure how my older peers were going to treat me (the only high school experience I had were movies and stories from friends). When we arrived, it was time for the Brotherhood Ceremony. All of the freshmen filed into the gym, and when it was time for me to sign the book, I was overjoyed. I was officially a part of the Brotherhood. After the ceremony, we had a short run-through of all of our classes, and I was overwhelmed with the sheer complexity that was (and still is) the schedule. By the end of the day, I was completely exhausted but couldn’t wait to get back and start classes; however, there was something I was much more excited about— The Launch.

After soccer practice, the team ran into the school to change out of our sweaty clothes and get ready for The Launch, our opening football game. Everyone was playing games on the grass, eating, and just hanging out as one. Eventually, it was time for the game to start, and all of the Richland Rowdies gathered on one section of the bleachers. Needless to say, it was chaotically beautiful. Every time the Hermits scored a touchdown, the Rowdies went insane. It was amazing to see how crazy it could get at times while still knowing that it was happening because of all of the spirit that was built up in the school. The Hermits won the game, and all of the students stormed the field in an act of celebration. On the ride home, I was completely exhausted, but I knew for a fact that I would be back for more; I couldn’t wait for the next day of school.