In the words of Bon Jovi, “We’re half way there” marking the end of the first semester at Bethel High School. This occasion calls for celebration, yet it also represents the beginning of the second semester with new classes, new teachers, new lunches, and maybe even new friends. Depending on one’s schedule, the second semester may exceed one’s first semester experience or fall flat in comparison.

“I do like my schedule this year,” says Ashley Boyle, senior at BHS. She adds that this semester is “easier then [her] past semesters schedules” because it reflects a typical ‘senior schedule.’ It is “a lot more laid back” and takes advantage of the leniency that seniors deserve in their last year of high school.

Freshman Molly Gallagher likes her new schedule, “although it will be harder [than the first semester] without a study hall,” she says. After completing her first semester in high school, Gallagher regrets taking “chorus class because [she] doesn’t really enjoy it.” She states, “I could have taken something that is better for me and [gives me the] credits I need to get.”

In contrast, both Carlota Charles and Nikki Meadows, sophomores, are not fond of their new schedules. Meadows commented that her first semester “was a lot better because of the teachers and the class arrangements.”

“I actually hate it,” says Charles about the second semester. “All of my classes changed, and there are barely any friends in my class.” “I’m going to have a lot of trouble with partner work,” she further adds. However, Charles states that she will not be able to adjust her classes to benefit her social preferences because “it would be too complicated.”

Mrs. Kirk, guidance counselor at BHS, will only adjust schedules based on logistical errors as opposed to personal reasons. She clarifies that an “error” means “a mistake that occurred when the course was put in to the computer system or a conflict where two classes are scheduled at the same time.”

With this said, schedule revisions are not given to those students who “changed their mind about a course, want the same class as their friends, or wish to have period 7 or 8 off.” Mrs. Kirk says “it is very important to select your courses thoughtfully and remain in those courses once you have requested them.”

In comparison to the first semester, Mrs. Kirk finds less students request changes in their second semester schedule. She says, “I think it is because we spent so much time and effort in the beginning of the year perfecting the schedules to the best of our ability. We always like to encourage students to select their courses carefully.”

Adam Chop, sophomore, is pleased with the differences between this semester and last, suggesting that he has indeed chosen his classes well. Chop has already “started to enjoy [his] classes,” and he imagines that “this semester will be better than the last” because there are “different teachers” and “better classes.”