This new school year included an additional change, X-day, where the class times are cut in half, but all on the same day. Freshmen who come here from all different backgrounds, may or may not feel a difference in not only the schedule but also from high school in general. Sophomores, who were used to the old calendar, must now adjust to this one, and upperclassmen are preoccupied with college. Gone are the days of guessing what letter day it is as it is the same every week, a benefit or disadvantage, depending on your opinion.

What are some opinions?

            Of those interviewed, all wished to remain anonymous, perhaps fearing their praise or criticism being immortalized in the school newspaper. Three groups were polled: people with positive views of X-day, people with negative views, and people who didn’t seem to fall either way. One happy student stated, “I like X-days, because of the teachers that use it for review, it helps me understand what is happening in the class.” Another said, “I like X-days because they’re light, and less work means less stress.” One grateful student claimed, “I like it [X-days] because we learn less.” Many appreciative Sacred Heart girls expressed that X-days were nice because it was an added day to study for tests. After all, many teachers choose not to give assessments on Mondays.

            The students with negative stances on X-day, interestingly, had some similar opinions to the positive group with the opposite emotions in response. “I don’t like X-days,” a dissatisfied student expressed, “we don’t learn anything, and I have twice the homework.” Another student argued, “I’m beyond exhausted on X-days, both mentally and physically. From carrying all my books to stuffing double the information into my brain.” A confused student explained, “I don’t like Mondays at all,” but did not elaborate if this was concerning the day of the week or X-day.

            There was not a significantly greater amount of interviewed girls with negative or positive feelings on X-day, but to understand the scope of emotions, a full census would need to be conducted. The majority of people surveyed were neutral and/or wanted to wait until the end of the year to give a full report of their ideas. “I don’t think I have a strong opinion either way on X-days,” an unbiased student said, “some Mondays are easier than others and that’s life.”

            While both sides have important points, it should be noted that answers depended on classes taken and the teachers that taught the courses. Many unseen factors brought the students to their decisions. By the small evidence collected, there seems to be a split between girls who are satisfied and dissatisfied and a large group of students who were impartial.

Change can be difficult to adapt to and some may struggle more than others in moving to a state of acceptance. It is important to remember to keep going, as progress may be small, but it is perpetual.