Excitement whirred through the halls of LHS on Thursday, May 23. Seniors entered the school in college attire, marking the dawn of a new era for the Class of 2024. This year, the senior class has committed to many colleges across the United States, from New York to California. College Decision Day is traditionally celebrated around May 1 when seniors across the country must commit to their chosen college or university. May 23 marked the day for LHS students to fully announce where they will be spending the next few years after high school.
Commitment Day is more than just a way for seniors to announce the school of their choice; it also marks the end of an era. No longer will the Class of 2024 attend high school each day, surrounded by a tight-knit community of students who have known one another for over a decade. The world of independence and differences that comes with a post-high school existence will be a new venture to adjust to.
No matter where students are going after college, there will always be a hint of nostalgia that comes with departing from high school. “It’s honestly kind of crazy to me to see the people that I’ve known for so long go so many miles away,” explained senior Yasmine Afzali, who will be attending George Washington University and will be majoring on the pre-law track in political science and international affairs.
Lynbrook’s community is a unique world where neighbors know one another and small schools run prime. Many students have been together since kindergarten, which, in a well-rounded way, is located right across from the high school. However, not all students at LHS have always lived in the Lynbrook School District, which makes the experience of leaving a high school a little different. Senior Hannah Bousaid moved to Lynbrook in her sophomore year of high school, and her perspective on what it will be like to attend college was perhaps different from those who had lived in Lynbrook their whole lives. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s really kicked in yet that such a drastic change is going to happen. Seeing all those colleges on Commitment Day and knowing how far away people are going to be was just insane,” Bousaid remarked. “I’m staying, but I don’t really see college as being much different. It’s a new curriculum; it feels sort of like when I moved here sophomore year. I wouldn’t say I’m excited or upset; it’s a new part of life…but still, it’s going to [stink] changing routine and not seeing the people I love to see daily,” she furthered. Bousaid will be attending St. John’s University and majoring in actuarial science.
“It’s comforting knowing on the breaks I’ll always be able to come back and see my family and friends. As a first-generation student, it’s a little surreal to leave the only people I’ve ever known my whole life, but I know it’s the best for me and my education,” Afzali explained. Many students will return home for various breaks and holidays, leaving them with a sense of security in summer diner hangouts and barbecues. “To me, where you are isn’t as relevant as much as who you spend your time with,” explained senior Joaquin Vergara. “So, I know that all the parts of Lynbrook that I grew to appreciate won’t be leaving as I can always call a friend and talk and plan things when we’ll be in town next.” Vergara will be attending Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.
Many seniors mentioned their fear of the unknown. College is a completely different experience with far more freedom. Many students will have more time between classes compared to high school, allowing them more autonomy over their schedules. If students attend a college or university, a new campus will welcome a new environment, possibly different from Lynbrook’s suburban sidewalks and quaintly-flowered park fields. “Fordham’s business college is based in the Manhattan campus, and I originally moved to Lynbrook from the city….The city is where I’ve always felt I belong, which makes the next four years of my life some of the most exciting for me,” added Vergara.
Regardless of where seniors will spend their next four years, Commitment Day was a celebration of their journey so far and beyond. “I loved Commitment Day. It was so [exciting] to see where everyone is going to college. [It was] just a fun day of celebrating the next four years,” mused senior Alayna Matern, who will be attending Northeastern University and majoring in behavioral neuroscience. “I’m really excited to venture off to college next year, but it’s definitely bittersweet. I’ll miss Lynbrook a lot,” she furthered. As students arrived at school on May 23 in their college attire, they marked the beginnings of a journey soon to be started. Senior Chloe Singh, who will be attending Liberty University and majoring in pre-law and minoring in theology and apologetics, felt similarly: “I’m extremely happy and grateful for the memories I’ve made at LHS. College is a huge step, but I’m ready for the new opportunities and journey.”
