ILS is in full swing along with many Florida schools. For the first time since March 2020, all students are attending classes on campus. With this shift, students invite change. Many have varying opinions, concerning Covid, the state of classrooms, and the schools “vibe” as a whole.

The sophomore class, who see themselves as the forgotten ones, considering pandemic, has experienced their first year of high school twice, being forced to accommodate to two radically different methods of learning in the span of a year.

“I was upset we missed out on our freshman experience,” says sophomore secretary, Ines Unda. “I prefer coming to school in person. Being home for too long felt really restricting and I missed seeing all my friends.” 

Approximately 55% of current ILS sophomores went hybrid 2020-2021. That means fully 45% never experienced the lush scenery gorgeous of ILS. Fernanda Ponce was one of the many sophomores in that 45%.

“I prefer being on campus as it just feels nice to be around my peers and meet new people,” she said.

Of the sophomores interviewed, every one preferred  in-person attendance for this exact reason. It appears then that the class of 2024 is full of social butterflies finally emerging from their freshman cocoon. 

Sebastian Debora, a devoted member of ILS’s drama club and lacrosse team, said, “As much as I love seeing everybody on campus, it could be a little concerning seeing how close people could be. People keep taking off their masks or wearing them incorrectly.” 

Some sophomores appear more laid-back, fully confident in ILS’s safety protocols.

 “I feel good about everyone being back relating Covid. I am vaccinated, and although vaccinated people across the world have been catching the virus, I feel confident that the school is controlling our environment to keep us safe,” said cheerleader Nadia Pages.

As for the juniors, both hybrid and virtual seemed to have worked for them. Those who were hybrid say that it was a special experience.

“I liked hybrid because it gave me a chance to see my friends and get out of the house,” said Caelyn Khalil.

Khalil also said that the quality of learning was more tangible in hybrid school. Virtual student Catharine Ibarra believed virtual s school was much more accommodating.

While they might not agree on whether hybrid of virtual was a better, many  juniors agreed on what they missed most–the food! SAGE’s renowned cuisine, an ILS student favorite, is one big reason many students are glad to be back on campus, but not the only one.

“I just missed the environment, seeing my teachers smile,” said Mercy Cabrera.

Many juniors expressed concern that lunch lines might be chaotic. 

 “We have to figure out a system that works for all of the students on campus,” said Caro Juara.

Besides that, some juniors fell secure at ILS.

Still, Taylor Jordan has mixed feelings regarding the return of everyone, explaining since many people have been at this for so long some don’t follow protocol, especially wearing masks correctly.

Overall, the juniors are wary, yet positive.

“It’s definitely kind of new.. and weird at the same time, but it’s also.. exciting,” said Catherine Ibarra.

Seniors are the only class to have experienced a FULL year of high school. 

The majority of seniors interviewed (80%), preferred in-person.

“I learn better while I’m in school because of the environment, I love being in school because I can see my classes everyday, along with my friends,” said Sebastian Larrota.

Though the remaining 20% agree socializing with peers was sorely missed, virtual was the preferred option especially for the students making the trip from Broward.

“Virtual was better because I live far so I would have to wake up much earlier which resulted in being late to class numerous times. Being virtual also allowed me to have a more comfortable learning space with fewer distractions,” said Blair Garcia.

Many virtual students found learning difficult which is why when given the opportunity to go hybrid, 60% sign on.

Many seniors agreed ILS has been doing its best to take the right precautions, and are ecstatic to be back.

“I do feel like we could be a little more responsible, but the right precautions are being taken as long as everyone is or gets vaccinated,” said Sebastian Larrota. 

Having the most knowledge of campus life, some seniors indicated the food is not the same, that the daily structure feels different somehow.

“I wish that we wasted less plastic since they haven’t been allowing self-serving,” said Helena Marquina.

Still, seeing peers after such a long time is more appreciated.

“Seeing my friends everyday seems like more of a gift than it seemed back then,” said Mia Castellon.

Overall, upperclassmen at ILS are exceedingly enthusiastic to be back on campus. After almost two years of being cooped up at home, many feel exhilarated to see old friends and have the opportunity to make new ones.  ILS.