Above 500 bubbly high school students wolfing down hot dogs in
the afternoon sun hung a banner that captured the essence of link
day:
”
Welcome Baby Mustangs.
”
Gilroy – Above 500 bubbly high school students wolfing down hot dogs in the afternoon sun hung a banner that captured the essence of link day: “Welcome Baby Mustangs.”
More than 400 incoming freshmen spent four hours Thursday at their future school during the inaugural Link Crew day. During the day, pairs of rising juniors and seniors led groups of new high school students in orientation and trust-building activities to prepare students for the first day of school, next Thursday.
“It helps them make the transition (from middle school),” academic coordinator Marah Kuwada said.
The highlight for many freshmen was 64 Spaces, in which students navigated across a room by stepping on pieces of paper in a select order. Like an elaborate game of memory, students learned from the past mistakes of other freshmen and relied on the group to help select the correct path.
The moral of the activity was clear, 14-year-old freshman Elaina Vasquez said, “You have to work together to get through high school.”
Vasquez, who wore a feathered paper crown made by her group leaders, and 14-year-old freshman Colleen Tanaka, who sported a green lei, used the morning to make new friends. The two girls went to St. Mary’s elementary and middle schools, graduating last June with about 30 peers. The 2007 freshmen class will include about 750 students.
Making connections was a key goal of the day, Kuwada said.
“Now they know a couple of freshmen they didn’t know,” she said. “They know a couple of juniors and seniors that they can ask questions of and lean on.”
The juniors and seniors also benefited from the experience, Kuwada said.
“It’s a mutual gain,” she said. “These guys are learning invaluable leadership skills. Link Crew is going to look really great on a college application.”
Yet seniors did not participate to beef up applications, but because they felt their effort made a difference, 17-year old senior Ashley Serrano said.
“My freshman year, I was kind of scared,” she said. “I wished I had someone to lead me, to tell me what it’s all about.”
The support will not stop when school begins, but continue throughout the school year in twice-weekly meetings before school, Serrano said.
“We’re going to be their helpers all year long,” she said.
Already freshmen in her group are feeling more secure on the campus.
“I’ve been introduced to the library and the important places on campus,” Tanaka said. “When I come here Thursday, it shouldn’t be too hard.”
