I admit it. I was wrong.
I felt apprehensive about advisory at the start of the school year. As a junior, I hated the idea of changing up things halfway through my road to graduation. I had so many questions on my mind as to how this would work. Where my locker would be? What would happen to assemblies? Would I be able to get along with a teacher I’d never even heard of?
With all of these thoughts echoing in my head, my first steps into advisory were shaky. However, all I needed was to just give it a try. After a few minutes of sitting there with my friendly, open advisor; my crowded, cloudy mind cleared to sunny skies. Introductions were made and the first advisory meeting was a pleasant experience.
After becoming comfortable with the atmosphere, advisor, and fellow students in my advisory, I waited to see what would happen to the schedule. It was another pleasant surprise. The first assembly went smoothly, and there were straightforward reminders the first few days that we were to report to advisory after our first class.
I loved how we had “advisory buddies.” In the case that my advisor is absent, my advisory group knows to go straight to our partner advisory.
Occasionally, I did feel a case of “homeroom sickness,” but my advisory slowly became my new homeroom. It was the same relaxed time I could have to do homework, hear about any meetings or schedule changes, and talk with new and old friends.
The small nature of the advisory groups opens up a whole new world of possibilities. By this, I mean “advisory challenges.” Just recently, my advisory battled two other advisory groups in a tug-of-war challenge, an event that would have been impossible in the previous homeroom system. I smiled as my advisor pumped us up for the challenge.
My junior year has arrived with a variety of new experiences and changes, but advisory is one that I am completely at peace with now. It’s not just another crazy change to school life. It’s an addition that I can find comfort in.