Jocelyn Glembocki ‘27

REPORTER

As the school year begins, teachers often start with the classic getting-to-know-you icebreakers to ease students into learning. However, for many students, this can make their stomachs churn with intense anxiety.

On the first day of school, the nerves are already high. You walk into the dismal classroom and hear your teacher call for the classic introduction: “We are going to go around the room and share a fun fact about ourselves.” Suddenly, your mind starts spiraling as you try to think of any possible fun fact you could share. “Is there anything interesting or original about me?” You want to be unique, and you say something that isn’t going to match the rest of the class.

Your answer should also be funny or impressive, but you proceed with caution to make sure that you’re not going to embarrass yourself. Congratulations, you’ve made it through the first period!

Just when you think you’ve survived the worst of it, you walk into your next class and see the word “Icebreakers” written on the board. Things couldn’t get much worse, and soon you find yourself in a group with just about everyone you were praying not to be in a group with. Now, you have to conjure up more ideas that are different from the ones you just shared 45 minutes ago. Everyone sits around, staring hopelessly at each other, waiting for someone to say something.

In your head, you’re screaming, hoping someone will magically start talking, but as time ticks away, the realization that nobody is going to speak up settles in. During lunch, you and your friends reflect on the first half of your day, gi

ggling and discussing the awkward icebreaker experiences.

These icebreaker questions, meant to ease our angst, often end up being a source of stress and awkwardness for some students. After class and even at night when you're lying in bed, you still question your answers. “Why didn’t I mention this?” “There was no point to this activity.” These thoughts continuously linger, and you can’t help but wonder if there’s a better way to start the school year.