Eating outside isn’t just more enjoyable, it’s a chance to mentally reset from the stress of school. Outside Lunch used to only be for seniors at North, but now all students can appreciate it. However, seniors have looked forward to this privilege since freshman year.
Chloe Ashford is one of many seniors that has looked forward to sitting outside for lunch since freshman year. Before Ashford’s final year, she wanted to be where her senior friends were, so if they sat outside, she would too. She says it gives her a break from school stress. Now, as a senior, it lets her forget about missing assignments, crowded halls, tardy sweeps, stress from classmates, pressures of being a cheer captain, and college anxiety. Ashford feels outside lunch should be a senior privilege, especially since senior year is so stressful with college applications. “It is our last year, and it is extremely stressful due to college applications, but it is a great way to start and finish senior year off strong,” she said. “It’s a peaceful experience that is worth the wait, and it should be a senior privilege.”
Junior Madison Gilstrap believes that outside lunch should only apply to juniors and seniors. Gilstrap stresses this because upperclassmen take on more rigorous classes, have to prepare for ACTs and SATs, while also getting ready for senior year or college. She believes that lunch outside would be beneficial for her, allowing her to have the brain break she needs to get through the day. Like Ashford, Gilstrap believes eating outside provides serenity, even adding that it could impact the way she takes tests. Nevertheless, sitting outside for lunch is not an option for her. As a Varsity Cheerleader and an athlete, she is held to a higher standard than most of her friends. If caught outside, Gilstrap has to run extra laps at practice and get scolded by her coaches. She is constantly reminded that she has to lead by example for other kids, even if she thinks it’s unfair. “I’m glad they are keeping us accountable, yet at the same time, other kids should be held accountable,” she said. “I think everyone should be taught integrity.”
On the other hand, senior Grant Benner is finally able to appreciate the joy of having lunch outside after waiting for three years. Before senior year, Benner would get jealous when looking out the window to see the smiles of seniors during lunchtime. For him, it’s the chance to soak in the sun, be outside with friends, take a mental reset from school, and become one with nature. He believes that outside lunch should be reserved for seniors because it was the one thing everyone knew about being a senior. To him, the limited seating outside is unfair due to the extra grades accompanying seniors. Benner emphasizes that seniors who need to get school lunch lose the chance to sit outside and get stuck sitting in the cafeteria. “Senior classes before didn’t have to deal with all these rules, and I feel annoyed because the adults are starting to treat our class with less respect compared to past classes,” he said.
No one wants to rush through high school, especially not during senior year. The final year is a time to remember, not a time to forget. Warriors should enjoy the time while it lasts, and that includes enjoying outside lunch peacefully. After all that time patiently waiting, seniors know this small freedom is worth the long haul.
