Freshman Commitment Ceremony

Min Zaw, mmz31@uakron.edu

Extra credit, something in Mr. Burger’s class that everyone wanted. So when he allowed us to dress up for it, we all got dressed and nicely suited. This is all because October 17, 2024, was the class of 2028’s Freshman Commitment Ceremony. Before I start getting into the meat of this article let me quickly give you an appetizer of what occurred during the ceremony. 

First, we all walked up to Zook Hall, and all 121 of us got squished into a room. We were told we would be called individually to sign a banner, get a pen, and receive a Class of 2028 shirt. They called in a graduate of AECHS, Ms. Odeliz Beltran Figueroa, to be a guest speaker. Mr. Burger then led us through a cult-like oath. Mr. Mcown then began reading off names for the first half of the alphabet while Mr. Larry O’Neil read the second half. The choir sang the alma mater of AECHS. Finally, Ms. Kotran ended it off with a few closing statements.

That random day in October marks the start of our journey here at AECHS. We have 4 years, 8 semesters, and 15 marking periods left and I know for a fact it’ll be one crazy ride. I know for a fact that all of us crowded in those seats will change. In some way or form they’ll change. Just think about when you were younger, when you were a freshman. Then think about where you are now. How much you’ve changed, how much you’ve grown, how many challenges you’ve gone through. In 4 years, I know I’ll look back at this chapter in my life and either I’ll be incredibly embarrassed or I’ll be proud of how far I’ve come. 

We’re growing, in 4 years we’ll be adults. In 4 years everything will most definitely change. That’s scary, you know? We all still have so many challenges to face and when I look at the obstacles ahead. I don’t know if I can fully face them, but I’ll try. I’ll try and try over again because I still have all this time waiting for me. Though I still can’t wrap my head around the idea that we're becoming adults in 4 years, that in 4 years we’ll all be graduating, it’s so–so crazy. 

I wanted to see what other freshmen thought about it so I asked around a bit. Everyone here has offered positive feedback about AECHS so far, which is good. I then asked how they felt about growing up and a third hadn’t even considered it. The majority relatively stayed in the middle while two answered “Yes” and one said that they were excited about it. Then the final question I asked was, “Do you think you’ll be ready for the challenges that’ll come?” The majority said yes or leaning towards yes while only one said no.