End of Summer: Mixed Feelings For Teens As They Get Set To Hit The Books Again

The summer is coming to an end, and teens throughout the county are reluctantly preparing for the upcoming school year. 

While some students find it difficult to picture anything appealing about returning to school, others seem genuinely excited about the opportunity to thrive academically and participate in school related activities.

Andres Alvarez, 14, of Valley Cottage, is entering his first year at Nyack High School.  He enjoyed having fun with his friends and getting into trouble throughout the summer, but is also eager to return to school. 

"I look forward to meeting new people and getting the chance for a fresh start," he said. 

Andres enjoys making friends, and sees high school as a chance to form new relationships and a new reputation.

His friend Sam Bennet-Levy, 13, of New City, also anticipates a new start in the upcoming year. 

"I definitely want to get good grades, and be more honest," he said. 

Sam will miss the freedom of summer, but wants to "make his mom proud" by putting forth a better effort this year.

Tara Flynn, 16, of Nanuet, enjoyed one last trip to the Palisades Center mall with her friends before the end of summer.  She will be a sophomore at Nanuet High School, and is looking forward to taking honors classes and the school's musical production.  She was accompanied by her friends Karin Roslund, of Locust Valley, and Alexa Kelly, also from Nanuet.

Kelly, 16, will be a junior at Nanuet high school.

 "The most exciting part of summer vacation was going to a Japanese Anime Convention with my friends," Alexa said. 

She and her friends did not seem at all nervous about returning to school, and look forward to attending more anime conventions in the future.

Some teens were far less enthusiastic about returning to school. 

Josh Kim, 13, of New City, said he isn't ready to go back to school.  He is afraid that he "will not learn enough, and fall asleep during class."  He spoke about how he liked doing nothing throughout the summer, but then admitted that "school isn't really that bad," and pledged to try harder in the upcoming year. 

His friend Matthew Mendes, also 13, enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend and is unhappy that the school year will diminish the amount of time he gets to spend with her.  However, he anticipates getting good grades and doing his best to be successful in school.

Matthew Greco, 16, is a resident of Nanuet and attends Pearl River High School.  He will be a senior this year, and had a lot of fun with his friends at the beach this summer.  However, he is also enthusiastic about the upcoming school year.

"Having senior privileges will be fun this year," he said.  "My schedule is pretty easy, so I will be able to enjoy myself while still doing well in school and preparing for college." 

Some teenagers are more excited than others, but everyone is returning to school and facing the reality that summer is over.  Most teens enjoyed their summer, and some have created memories that will last them a lifetime. 

Friends spent their time enjoying common interests and forming new relationships, and hope to continue these pursuits throughout the school year.  Although local teens will definitely miss the carefree atmosphere of summer, they also see the bright side of returning to school. The summer months may be over, but a new school year will only create a chance for further achievements, accomplishments, and maybe even a little bit of fun.

Tom Butterworth is a Pearl River High School Student.