What are you looking forward to?

Summer is over, and students are all going back to school! It’s normal for some kids to feel a lot of different emotions during this time, like excitement, nervousness, or even a bit of fear on the first day because of all the new things happening: new teachers, new classmates, and maybe even a new school. Going back to school is an exciting time with lots of chances to grow and learn. Students get to see friends again, tackle new subjects, and join fun activities that help them grow. Let’s explore what to expect when heading back to school and what some students and teachers are looking forward to in the new school year.

THE STUDENTS

“Learning something new! I am excited to study Math as I find it interesting. I am also excited for the new soccer season, learning new stuff and new soccer moves, and winning the PGFC again.”—Kira George, incoming 3rd grade, Green Meadow School

“I’m excited to try being a third grader. I want to study hard to get five medals and a lot of trophies at graduation.” —Colin James, incoming 3rd grade, Green Meadow School

“Since school is coming back, I am looking forward to getting good grades and those certificates to make my family proud. I am also looking forward to being better at soccer and writing better. I am also excited for after school for learning and doing fun activities.”—Aiah Bhurn T. Delos Santos, incoming 5th grade, Garapan Elementary School

“I am expecting the teachers to teach well so the students can learn all together and study hard to fulfill their dreams, and also so I can become the top student in my school.”—Jayden Rei Pulido, incoming 5th grade

“Since school is coming back, I am looking forward to my friends being there. I haven’t seen them for months and 7th grade should be new and interesting. I am also curious to see which teachers I’ll like, hoping to get good grades and certificates at the end of the school year to make my family proud. I am excited about making new friends in 7th grade.”—Andy Cielo, incoming 7th grade, Hopwood Middle School

“I’m expecting to have more work this school year and that’s not something I am excited about but I am looking forward to getting into more clubs, getting more medals, meeting new people, and gain more friends.”—Elaia Patricia Silva, incoming 8th grade, Hopwood Middle School

“As I enter my first year of high school, expectations for myself include learning new habits to help and improve my mental state for my upcoming studies. I hope to learn important skills such as problem solving, improve reading and writing, public speaking, and such. Another expectation I have for this upcoming new school year would be to make new friends.”—Maja Laxamana Diaz, incoming freshman, Marianas High School

“I’m looking forward to meeting my friends and being with them for one last year. I know that we are probably all going to go to different colleges and it’ll be our last time seeing each other for a while, so I’m going to enjoy my time with them. One goal I have is to do great in the college admissions process and after I’m done with that, I want to help out the underclassmen. I want to put them in a good position before I leave, so I’m going to tell them what are some things they should be doing, some mistakes I made that they don’t have to make, etc. Some plans I have is to participate in science fairs and Math Court! Last year, my brother, my best friend, and I got to travel to LA because of the science fair, which was really fun. I’m looking forward to working again with them. Also, my Math Court teammates both graduated, but there are a lot of people who I can work with.”—Gwonpil Son, incoming senior, Marianas High School

“I am looking forward to see my friends again back from summer vacation, also to experience my last year in high school to the fullest.”—Iver Lilles, incoming senior, Marianas High School

“I am looking forward to spending my last year of high school with the close friends I met throughout my journey, but I am also happy to meet new faces! My main goal for this school year is to just have fun with the people around me, it may be the last time I would see them for a while, so I would hope to cherish the time we have left and enjoy it! My main plan for this school year is to apply to college, and others around me are also doing the same. I knew it is going to be a stressful time, but I hope with the support of my peers I am able to get through it. But generally, I am most excited to see everyone again, and spend my final year with them!”—Jedric Aniciete, incoming senior, Marianas High School

“Going into my first year of college at NMC, I look forward to exploring the responsibilities of a young adult as I learn to become a more independent person. As I am entering a new chapter of my life, I hope to grab onto as many opportunities that will lead me to explore my desired career goal of pursuing pharmacy. Especially as I plan to go off island after my two years at NMC, I also plan to prepare myself by experiencing the campus life, overcoming academic challenges, learning how to balance a part time job with my classes, and becoming a better people person. I can’t say I’m scared or excited going into this school year. Rather, I am more excited to see what the future holds for me.”—Hana Laxamana Diaz, incoming college freshman taking Business Management, Northern Marianas College

“One of the main things I look forward to is engaging in the community of New York, one that is of a busy urban lifestyle—a big change from Saipan—and utmost ethnic and cultural diversity. Furthermore, I am excited to engage in learning about the fundamentals of Computer Science as well as other classes as part of the Liberal Studies program. Additionally, one of my main goals is to strive not only for good academic performance in my classes but also for good character and staying true and humble to my upbringing of discipline and faith.”— Andrew Nunez, incoming first-year student taking Liberal Studies with anticipated degree in Computer Science, New York University

“As I enter my college years, I am looking forward to becoming more independent and exploring new things, like trying New York’s famous pizza and bagels! In school, I am excited to meet a diverse class. I know that I will be making new friends while still being able to meet up with old ones in and around New York City. I also look forward to experiencing a college class, being in a huge lecture hall, and getting to play with cool machines. I know that my next four years will bring unexpected yet exciting experiences.

In college, I hope to develop my personal skills, particularly in time management. That way, I can diversify my college experience while keeping up with my studies, like picking up a new hobby, maintaining my physical health, or even securing a research position or internship opportunity, which are some other goals of mine. I am looking to major in Earth & Environmental Engineering, though I remain open to exploring other engineering disciplines.”— Joseph Jimenez, incoming freshman, Columbia University

“Coming back to school, I’m most looking forward to being immersed in a community that flourishes in hard work and dedication. This year my goals are to pass all my classes and join a club wherein I can showcase my abilities as well as learn from my peers.”—Raeka Lantin, incoming 2nd year nursing student, Northern Marianas College

“This year, I’m really excited about diving into strategic management and leadership courses. I’m looking forward to tackling real-world problems through case studies and group projects. It’ll also be great to connect with industry professionals through networking events and internships, which I think will really help me apply what I’m learning in a practical way.”—Christine Hayag, incoming 3rd year Business Management student, Northern Marianas College

THE EDUCATORS

“This coming school year, I am looking forward to the opportunity to grow and learn from my new students. I’m excited to tackle new math challenges together, turning those complex problems into moments of discovery and achievement. I aim to explore each subject deeply and create meaningful learning experiences by connecting the lessons to real-life situations. My goal is to go beyond textbook-based teaching and bring lessons to life through practical, challenging, and engaging activities. I hope to build my new students’ skills and confidence while also enhancing my own teaching abilities.”—Salma Cegales Lapuz, educator, Green Meadow School

“Agape Christian School welcomes back a brand-new school year filled with boundless possibilities, growth, and excitement as the school continues to encourage talents, unleash potential, and help students be the people God wants them to be in SY 2024-2025.”—Pastor Kok H. Pang, administrator, Agape Christian School

“I’m excited to enhance our learning environment with new programs and technology, such as our 3D printer and expanded STEM curriculum. I look forward to fostering strong relationships with parents and the community while maintaining our commitment to academic excellence and Christian values. Saipan SDA School offers a high-quality education with the North American Division Standards, ensuring students receive the same education as in the American mainland. We provide a holistic education, incorporating academics, arts, physical education, and spiritual growth. This year, we’re introducing a golf club, a ping pong club, and ukulele lessons for all students.”— Pastor Yeon Ho Song, principal, Saipan SDA School

“As an educator, expectations for upcoming the new school year is to focus on preparation for student support that is centered on each individual’s needs. Services for my program are provided at settings, including home, private daycare, and Head Start centers. I look forward to learning and collaborating from teacher colleagues, students, and parents. It is important to create an environment where we can all enjoy learning together. Team communication and safety for all children are top priority.—Rose Laxamana Diaz, Early Childhood Special Education Related Service provider, PSS Early Childhood Special Education Program

“Every new school year is such an exciting time for me as a professor! I am always looking forward to seeing my returning students as well as meeting the new students who have joined our program. As a professor in NMC’s School of Education program under the Rehabilitation and Human Services concentration, my students are simply the best! They’ve chosen this program in counseling and human services because they have such huge hearts and want to give back or advocate for the segments of our population who are underserved—especially those who are at-risk or struggling with mental health issues. My students’ passion for this work continues to inspire me to be a better educator because I want to see them succeed. If I can be even a small part of their academic journey and guide them to be their best selves, that is so fulfilling for me. If any of our community members who want to further their education, have a natural helping nature, or are great listeners, come see me at NMC! There is still time to register and join our fantastic Proa family for the Fall 2024 semester!”—Dr. Beylul Solomon, Professor, Northern Marianas College, School of Education-Rehabilitation & Human Services