Wow! The smell of new books and paper, the shuffle of thousands of feet in the halls, and the smiles and sighs as we all find our way back into a routine. I have just completed my first weeks back at La Joya High. Things went quite smoothly. The transition from long, lazy days into the hustle and bustle of immediate homework, dance practice, and catching up on my social life, was not as horrible as I thought it might be. All my classes have been major successes. I quickly began to anticipate the bell for my journalism course, and I have already dived into the library to catch up on some reading.

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El olor a libros y papel nuevos, el sonido de miles de estudiantes caminando y corriendo por los pasillos, suspiros y sonrisas, todo indica que ya estamos de nuevo en la rutina. Mis primeras semanas en La Joya High School han estado bastante tranquilas. La transición de los días largos y de ocio en verano, a este ajetreo de tareas escolares, la práctica de baile, y el volver a ver amistades que hace tiempo no veía, no fue tan horrible como pensé. ¡Todas mis clases me encantan! De inmediato comencé a esperar con ansias la campana que me indica que mi clase de periodismo está por comenzar; y hasta ya visité la biblioteca para comenzar a leer de nuevo.

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The first couple weeks back in school were bittersweet. On the one hand, ruling the school and being the top class was great — we have the best hang-out spots, parking spaces, teachers and classes. But on the other hand, the absence of a class ahead of us, a buffer between us and a life away from home, made things a bit lonely.
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And in the blink of an eye my summer is practically gone. Lazy days and long nights, lost under the start of school deals and panic! Okay, allow this ranting stranger to formally introduce herself. I’m Lisa Cantu, coming to you straight from La Joya, Texas, otherwise known as “The Valley.” A senior from La Joya High School, your average 17-year-old, minus the attitude, plus the poignant view of everyday situations.

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Y en un suspiro mi verano se desvanece. Días lentos y noches largas perdidas bajo el pánico del comienzo de la escuela. Por lo pronto, permítanme presentarme: soy Lisa Cantú. Vivo en La Joya, Texas, ciudad que se encuentra en el mágico valle del Río Grande. Este año será mi último en la preparatoria.

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First things first — let me introduce myself. My name is Andy Samuels and I am a senior at Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Greenwood Village is a suburb 15 minutes south of Denver proper. Most teens’ parents who live in Greenwood Village are professionals who work downtown or at the Denver Tech Center, also located in Greenwood Village. It’s been a wonderful place to grow up, and I have certainly made memories here to last a lifetime.

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