Now that the school year is in full swing, students have a lot to look forward to. Students can anticipate upcoming football games, tailgates, pep rallies and the camaraderie of each of the classes coming together for the school year.

As students experience these bonding moments with their classmates, the last thing that may thought of is if it might be your last first of an activity. Now that the class of 2025 is seniors, there seems to be a lot of reflections of the last four years and moments that might have been taken for granted that students can’t get back. “It feels surreal to be a senior. The last first day made me feel both excited and nostalgic. It’s bittersweet because I’m looking forward to the next chapter of our lives but also sad that these are all our lasts,” senior Isabella Hovian said.

First and last experiences hold a special place in our hearts that can stick with us forever. The first time we encounter something new, whether it be the first day of school, a new job, or even meeting a new friend, we might never think to ourselves that this will be the last time we do that activity with these specific people. You never really sit and think that one day will be the last time you get out of your parent’s car in the morning before school, and suddenly, you’ll be the one driving yourself. As students, it might seem like we’re stuck in the same routine day after day, but once you experience your first “last first” of something, you begin to cherish and hold on to those moments in the present. Last experiences end the chapters in our lives that hold thousands of personal memories.

Students have a mix of feelings, from excitement for the future, to twists of nostalgia. “My last first day felt unreal; there was a little excitement knowing this was the start of my final year. My last first football game made me realize I won’t experience the high school sports atmosphere again, I felt appreciation for the memories built up from it over the years of going to them. It was a chance to experience these types of moments one last time and make the most out of it. Experiencing my last firsts brings a sense of closure and reflection of how much has changed over the years,” senior Moe Uddin said.

A highlight for seniors is Friday night lights. Students come together in the fall for football games, or in the winter for basketball games. There is a sense of togetherness and students say they are sad for it to come to an end. “I’ve always loved football games and I’m sad that this is the last year of high school football,” senior Kailey Waxman said.

While last firsts are speeding by, there are still new experiences and fun still yet to come.