Homeroom has been a touchy subject among the students here at NDA with opinions varying from loving the changes to despising them. I have aligned towards the “loving” side over the course of the year.

Last year, when I heard that changes would be made, I was delighted, having had unpleasant experiences during homeroom in the past. As a freshman, I did not associate with the upperclassmen at all. In fact, my Big Buddy pulled us aside and told us to not let the teachers know we did not meet or get to know one another.

The upperclassmen had more of a domineering relationship with us then a teaching one. It led me to wondering why we had a mix of grades in one classroom. The answer always was “bonding” and “learning from the older kids,” but I remember vividly sitting alone, unnoticed when our homeroom would walk to Culver’s for lunch. I always felt out of place, having no connections or common interests with anyone.

Now, as I have gotten older and the schedules have changed, homeroom has become more tolerable. Now that we are not forced to awkwardly sit together every week, I have noticed we have gotten along a lot better. It could be somewhat the new round of students, but I believe having homeroom every week would definitely strain our relationship. I know it is easier on the teachers too, who seemed to take homeroom as a burden.

Not everyone has had the same experience as me; some are passionately upset about the changes. Many of my fellow students love homeroom due to the fact they get a break from classes and others have an authentic bond. These students miss the activities and getting to see their friends often. In my opinion, your homeroom experience really depends on the homeroom you are in and if you relate well with the fellow students.

After examining both sides, I think homeroom can easily be improved. First, I think Mr. Rudar, who said students should be grouped based on common interests, is right. Some would argue that homeroom is supposed to be for meeting people outside our interest groups, but in my experience, that has been an utter failure due to lack of common interests.

Second, I think that the few days a month our homerooms meet, the time should be extended. Some students really miss homeroom, so I think this would be a fair compromise. Altogether, I think the effort in changing homeroom has produced good, but there is still a lot more that can be done in order to make it a more productive experience for everyone.