August 25, 2005

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

With many schools beginning the new school year this week, what do you dislike about going back to school?
(Asked at Almaden Center)

“I don’t like the fact that I have to prepare to lose almost 90 percent of the free time I have now. I also know that this year, I’m going to be working extremely hard because it’s my junior year. I know I’ll be working my butt off.
Also, I work during the summer and that stops when I go back to school, so no more income!”

Alex McCafferty, 17
Almaden / Junior at Leland High


“It’s like I will be losing my freedom, all the things that constitute fun during the summer are going to end and I have to go back to work. On the other side, there are bonuses to school. I get to see all my friends that I haven’t seen all summer. ”

Andrew Oushalem, 16
Almaden / Junior at Bellarmine College Prep


“Going back to school means I have to start waking up early again and get back to the grind. It also means I don’t get to go out every night with my friends, that there’s a curfew and no parties during the week. However, going back to school shopping is always good. It also means I will be seeing everyone I haven’t seen all summer.”

Morgan Townley, 16
Almaden / Junior at Lincoln High


“I don’t like all the school work, especially the summer review packets. I’m going to miss the freedom I have in the summer. On the other hand, next month I get my [driver’s] license, and with school starting it means I’m that much closer to leaving for college.”

Rachel Baker, 16
Almaden / Junior at Lincoln High


“Shopping for clothes, because it’s hard to find clothes. We spent eight hours with my grandmother [who lives in Almaden] one day last week looking for clothes. I like being with my friends, and I’m excited because I get to go to the GATE program on Wednesdays.”

Kristahua Valverde, 10
Reno, Nev. / Fifth grader at Mamie Tolls School


“It’s all the homework, the projects and the stress and this year I’m also going to be involved with all that plus college applications. I’m looking forward to going to Santa Clara University [next year after I graduate]. I’m excited, though, to see my friends and I like classes. I even like going to school, but there’s just too much homework. ”

Desiree Catala, 17
Almaden / Senior at Leland High


“I like school, but the hot weather is not great for cross country. It doesn’t cool off until the season’s almost over. I kind of like going to school and having a schedule and things to do, and I always like to see my friends.”

Ali Logue, 15
Almaden / Junior at Leland High


“Right now I’m kind of worrying about all my new [high school] classes and meeting new friends. I’m not really scared, just more nervous about the experience. I am excited to see all my friends I didn’t see this summer.”

Melissa Revhan, 13
Almaden / Freshman at Pioneer High