Hi, I’m Arthav Naidu and I am currently a freshman. I have already been at Delbarton for two years, but obviously this year is like no other I have experienced. So, I would like to share my opinion on how the 2020 school-year is going so far, and also include some of my classmates’ opinions.

Coming into Delbarton this year, I was anxious to meet the incoming freshmen, but I already knew some of my classmates and teachers. Because I did not know how the new people felt, I asked my friend who joined Delbarton this year, Nicholas Yoo, about how he felt. He said, “Delbarton is great, honestly. Coming here as (a) new freshman, I was pretty nervous about generally everything, but all the guys here made sure that everyone feels at home.”   He went on to say,  “I like the nice change of fresh opportunities available for the Delbarton community. There are a lot of interesting clubs and activities that I can participate in.”

I agree with him in how  all the students made each other feel welcome and at home, and the brotherhood is really exemplified here at Delbarton. We really all found a way to bond and grow close even though we couldn’t fully see each other’s faces.

I asked the Freshman Class President and fellow lifer, Abdiel Perde, the same question about how things have changed and he responded, “This year is different because we have a lot more students [in the freshman class] and it’s fun and new to learn who everyone is. This year with COVID, lunch is not (like) a typical Delbarton day anymore and classroom habits have changed.”

The new lunch arrangement especially hits home for me because in the first few weeks of school, not only was it weird to sit with only one person, but the food just didn’t hit the mark like past years. When I asked Abdiel about his plans as president, and he said “As president of the Freshmen class, I’m planning on making the Semi (semi-formal dance) possible this year even though we have the coronavirus, bringing back vending machines for the whole school, and bringing in movie nights. I’m going to try and really listen to what everyone has to say and want to be implemented into the school year and try my best to make sure that everyone is heard. I’m going to be a president that not only talks, but acts.”  However, community safety and “stopping the spread” must remain top priorities.

I am really looking forward to the rest of this year especially with Abdiel as president, and classmates like Nick, and although we have some restrictions on how we can interact, I am just happy to be here in person.