Late Starts: A Blessing or a Curse?

By Jilian Mihailovich ’25

​The big plan was put into action last month! We would officially return to our 9 a.m. start on Tuesdays and Fridays. Initially, campus jumped for joy as visions of extended beauty sleep and more time in the morning popped into our heads; however, now that it is February, the only visions popping into my head are faculty members whose sleep schedules have worsened, and the desperate rush trying to make the quick transition from the last class to the afternoon program. ​

I, for one, am a big fan of the 2:25 p.m. conclusion to the academic day we used to have before this system was established. This early start provided ample opportunity to complete your homework while the information was still clear in your brain, socialize after a particularly rigorous day or, better yet, take a revitalizing nap. And to be completely transparent, what are the extra 40 minutes of sleep really going to get you? Exactly how beneficial could that small increment of time really be?

​Personally, I have yet to notice a drastic change in mine, or anyone's behavior subsequent to these 40 minutes. I do, however, notice a distinct difference in the fall when I have less homework for study hall as it has all been completed during that afternoon forty-minute time period. Furthermore, a crucial part of our community has been hit especially hard. Our teachers' weekly meetings have been shifted to these mornings, meaning that the people educating us are probably even more exhausted than we are. While I think that this is an incredibly thoughtful gesture from the administration, who are keeping students' mental health in mind, I have found through speaking with peers that they do not enjoy these as much as they anticipated. As far as I'm concerned, this is just another reason to look forward to the transition to the spring term.