A first look at a new chapter of their lives. A new chapter that consists of four years. One hour to experience the school for extracurriculars and clubs. One hour to experience the ever-changing atmosphere of a high school rally. The new incoming freshmen. Class of 2029.
The switch from eighth grade to freshman year is a vast abyss that seems nerve-wrecking yet somehow exciting at the same time. New experiences, new friends, new expectations, new atmosphere.
With all new incoming classes, the opinions of the older classes differ, as Ayala’s atmosphere may change greatly.
“I have lots of confidence that many of them will have wonderful experiences that Ayala has to offer,” Timothy Chun (12) said. “Whether it’s from the arts to sports or even engineering, I think the students will find something that fulfills them.”
Eighth grade night was their first introduction into Ayala, and the class of 2029 had the opportunity to experience a taste of the myriads of clubs and sports that are open to them. Starting at a new school, especially one where they’ll be for four years of their lives, can be hard to acclimate into the school culture, as being able to get involved with extracurriculars are an excellent way to meet new people.
Each set of classes has their own atmosphere, and whether they clash with one another or get along can really affect the overall atmosphere of the school.
“Every year has a different vibe, and next year’s freshmen will also bring their own culture,” Zoya Hsieh (12) said. “Overall, the change in atmosphere will be the most noticeable in rallies, since that’s when the whole school gathers together.”
The change in atmosphere is mostly because the class of 2029 is the “in-between” period between Generation Z and Generation Alpha. Many have debated whether Gen Z ends at 2010 or 2012, so those born in this two year time span are considered in both generations, depending on their overall personality.
Some of the most distinctive attributes of Generation Alpha is their slang. Like with every generation, there comes a new set of slang words that only mostly people who were of that generation know what they mean and use it somewhat daily. However, in Generation Alpha’s case, their slang seemingly sounds more nonsense compared to previous generations, incorporating real life places like “Ohio” and objects like toilets.
Class of 2029 will be the first incoming class to use these slang words more often and less ironically.
“I love Gen Alpha slang. It’s such a goofy way to express their feelings, and even though I may not understand it sometimes, it’s fun to learn new ways to say things,” Hsieh said.
Others, however, think that Gen Alpha slang is something quite peculiar and odd.
“I do not understand Gen Alpha slang,” Chun said. “In my opinion, I think it’s pretty obnoxious, but that doesn’t mean we are any better than them. I believe with their new and fresh minds, many will do great things to help strengthen our world.”
New words, new slang, new minds, the class of 2029 entering into Ayala just a few months from now shows just how fast time flies by, especially to older classes.
“Seeing the class of 2029 freshmen coming in makes me feel extremely old and shows how fast time is moving,” Antonio Chen (10) said. “One last year for ’26 and two more for ’27.”
