LIFE AT TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL
by Miriam Brown '08

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Things were different as I stepped into Trinity High School on the first day of my junior year.

There was a lot more black in the hallway— black from the formal dress shoes the administration had decreed we wear. As this was a new policy, it took my eyes a while to adjust.

There were also a lot more feet to wear those black shoes. Looking up, I found myself surrounded by a horde of little people: the Class of 2010! Since I myself am only 5 foot 2, I tried to surreptitiously swim my way through the sea of freshmen, many of whom dwarfed me. But, instead of drowning in them--as I expected--I watched in astonishment as they parted to let me through.

Why? As the largest freshman class Trinity has had since 1990, they far outnumbered me.

But, I came to realize that they were intimidated: I am a junior; an upperclassman!

Moving through them, I noted their expressions. Some searched frantically for their lockers, only to face the challenge of opening their locks--often using the wrong combination. Others, burdened by their biology books, gazed at them in awe, as if wondering if their brains could handle the facts and concepts displayed on hundreds of pages. They looked timid and anxious.

Had that been me just two years ago? I was astounded to realize how much I—and my friends—had changed.

Treading down the hallway I opened my locker in seconds; no need for a schedule, for I have the rooms and teachers memorized. I greeted my friends with laughter and hugs. Like a great big reunion, we started up old conversations as if summer had never happened. Even the prospect of a large homework load didn’t bother us; we’re jaded veterans of the challenging International Baccalaureate program, experts at time management.

With all of this in mind, I turned towards my first class. On the way, I spotted a familiar freshman, and I felt a wave of sympathy. However, it won’t be long before she feels as comfortable at Trinity as I do. Knowing that part of Trinity’s charm is the closeness of the students—despite differences of age, interests, and background--I tweaked her ponytail as I passed. A wide smile crossed her face.