Walking into Eastern for my first day of orientation, I wasn’t quite sure what to think. I had just moved from Philly to Jersey back in May, and faced the daunting task of transferring from my dream high school, Central, to Eastern.

There was also the fact that I hadn’t been in an actual school building since March 2020; attending school virtually for my entire freshman year. I was so nervous walking into Gym 4, not seeing anyone I knew, and having the objective of making the friends I would have for at least the next 3 years of high school. However, things have gone better than I initially thought.

By the first day of school, I was feeling a lot more confident. I made some new friends at orientation, including my best friend Frankie, and I was feeling a lot more comfortable talking to people.

Eastern’s community is honestly one of the best I’ve seen in all of my years of schooling. All of the students and staff I’ve met have been so kind, and I don’t feel left as out as I feared. In fact, people at Eastern have been more welcoming and friendly than I could have ever predicted. I can always count on seeing a friendly face on the bus, in the lunchroom, and in the classroom. It’s a great feeling.

I’m looking forward to getting involved in some of the numerous activities Eastern has to offer, and making a name for myself, inside and outside the classroom. I’m also a very sociable person, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with me if the moment ever arises. I’ll see you around!