Top 10 Most Impressive Essays on First Day Experiences at High School

Time silently passes by, leaving behind a lingering echo in the hearts of people. For each student, it carves vivid memories of their school days, filled with the joy and nostalgia of a time gone by. We bid farewell to the golden rays of the summer sun and the familiar sound of cicadas, parting ways with the clusters of red flamboyant flowers, the red scarves draped on our shoulders, and the cherished memories of our middle school days. Now, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter, the doors to high school wide open before us. As the cool autumn rains begin to fall, my heart stirs with the fresh memories of the first day back to school.

For every student, the first day of school is always filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. But this time, there was something different for me: it was my first day at high school. A mix of joy, pride, and nervousness filled me as I stood at the threshold of this new chapter in my life.

The first day was warm and sunny, with a gentle breeze in the air. As the school had announced, I was fully prepared with my clothes, shoes, and books. Yet, my heart raced with unexplainable excitement. Before me lay a completely new world: new friends, new teachers, and a new school environment. In the past, after a three-month summer break, we would return to our familiar middle school with its old trees and benches, filled with memories of playing with friends. But this year, I had stepped into a whole new world—high school. The school was grand and spacious. From the entrance, a row of old tamarind trees shaded the path leading to the impressive three-story classroom buildings. Everything around me was new, and I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it all. I whispered to myself, 'Wow, this school is so beautiful!'

We, the new 10th graders, were assigned to our classes. I silently hoped that I would be in a class with some of my old friends, but alas, my class was filled with unfamiliar faces. 'But eventually, I'll get to know these new friends,' I reassured myself. After a few moments of awkwardness, our homeroom teacher entered. Her appearance reminded me of my 9th-grade homeroom teacher. With a slender figure, kind eyes, and long black hair, her presence eased my nerves and made me feel a little more at ease in this new environment. The first words she spoke to us were about the importance of responsibility and discipline, both for ourselves and for our school, as we embarked on our high school journey. I realized this was the first lesson I would learn at this new school.

The most memorable moment for me was the opening ceremony. Wearing a white ao dai, I truly felt like a high school student for the first time. I felt a mix of shyness and maturity. The sound of the school bell, rung by the principal, echoed through the air, filling me with a strange, excited feeling. I knew that from this moment on, I was part of this new world.

I was now studying at a school with a long history of academic achievements and proud traditions—Xuân Lộc High School. My heart swelled with joy and pride, but there was also a bit of fear and uncertainty. However, what mattered most at that moment was my promise to myself to work hard and live up to the school's traditions.

With so many thoughts and emotions swirling within me—joy, pride, shyness, and a touch of anxiety—these feelings of the first few days at high school would undoubtedly stay with me forever as an unforgettable memory.

It has been three weeks since I started high school. These three weeks have been full of surprises and new experiences, with each day bringing something exciting—whether it's from my classmates, the school itself, or the whole new life of high school that is still fresh to me.

Even though I’ve participated in nine opening ceremonies before, I was still anxious and nervous before this year’s ceremony – my tenth. My parents were just as surprised by my nervousness, considering how mischievous and bold I usually am. How could I not be excited? This moment—one that I’ve dreamed of and worked towards for so long—was finally here. Though this new school felt unfamiliar, it also felt strangely familiar, like an old friend.

For the past four years of middle school, I passed by this school every day. Many times, I paused and gazed at it, dreaming and building determination. From the gates, I could see the changing colors of the tall trees in the schoolyard. The school itself was even more charming, just like the familiar Hưng Long River that flows nearby. What attracted me the most was the school’s proud academic tradition. I dreamed of becoming a part of it, feeling proud and accomplished.

But I still felt nervous. The lessons would be harder, and there were many new rules at the school that I would have to follow. Some of the teachers were familiar from my past, but I had never actually studied under them, so I was certain there would be many surprises ahead. And then, there were the new classmates. Some of them had been with me in the same middle school class, but many others were strangers. Would we get along as well as we did in middle school? Would we be a close-knit, friendly group? Everyone says high school is an important time—it’s the foundation for shaping your future. With all these thoughts swirling in my head, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation as I walked into the opening ceremony.

The ceremony that day was short yet impactful. I was particularly moved by the principal’s speech. I listened carefully, absorbing his words about the responsibility each student carries when studying at a school with such a rich history. I also felt deeply touched and nostalgic when a new student spoke about their emotions on their first day.

After the ceremony, we jumped straight into our lessons. As we expected, the content was new, unfamiliar, and quite difficult. But the atmosphere in our class during the first lesson was calm. Over the next few days, as we got to know our teachers and classmates, the atmosphere became much livelier. Our classroom felt as energetic and familiar as it did back in middle school.

By the end of the week, we began participating in school service projects. We all wanted to contribute something to our new school, to make it feel even more special. The first day of working together was so much fun. There were so many trees in the schoolyard, and after the rain, fallen leaves covered the ground. The leaves were damp, making a wet, squishy sound underfoot. Our class tried to sweep them with brooms, but quickly gave up and started picking them up by hand! One of the boys proudly handed a beautiful yellow leaf to a girl, but behind it was a tiny caterpillar hiding. The girls screamed in surprise, while the boys laughed heartily. They quickly apologized and made up for it by offering candy. The workday didn’t feel tiring at all; instead, it was full of laughter. The boys, eager to be ‘protective,’ couldn’t resist when a girl asked for help with a soft ‘Hey, big brother.’ It was such a fun, warm moment. I even got a new nickname, ‘Diệp còi,’ which only added to the laughter. The entire class bonded quickly, and we felt like one big family.

All the anxiety, uncertainty, and unfamiliarity soon disappeared. The atmosphere in our class grew more focused on learning, and a friendly, positive vibe settled in. It wasn’t long before my neighbor, a classmate I sat next to, and I began to ‘compete’ in our studies. We both pushed ourselves to solve problems faster and more accurately, sharing our findings with each other. And of course, we learned new things from one another.

At the age of sixteen, time flies by quickly. Although I haven’t yet fully understood each of my classmates’ backgrounds or personalities, I believe that with time, our class will grow closer, and we’ll continue to improve in our studies. The early days at high school have been a whirlwind of emotions for me. These will undoubtedly be some of my most cherished memories—sweet and unforgettable.

As students, we all have fond memories of the first day of school, filled with excitement as we return to study with friends, family, and teachers. We all feel a sense of novelty on our first day, and I am no different. Although I've been through many opening ceremonies before, this time, it felt completely different—almost as if it were my very first day of school. This is the first time I've stepped into this school—Quang Tri High School.

Back when I was in middle school, I often dreamed about studying in this very school, hoping one day I could be part of it. As time passed, all my efforts finally paid off, and I successfully passed the entrance exam. The school I had always hoped to attend turned out to be Quang Tri High School—the very place I had dreamed of. The excitement grew even more when I found out I had been placed in Class 10A2, which only added to my joy and enthusiasm.

On my first day of school, I felt overwhelmed with nervousness and confusion. I wished there was someone by my side to hold my hand and lead me to class. It may seem childish, but after years of starting school in the familiar surroundings of my middle school, everything felt new and strange. I kept thinking about the trees and benches where we used to play and laugh, but now, there was nothing familiar. I was standing in front of the gate of this new school, which appeared like a grand castle to me, with its three-story building towering over me. My steps felt heavy, and I wondered why it was so hard to move forward. Why was it so difficult for me when everyone else seemed so confident?

As I walked, I hoped to see some of my old friends in my class. But no, the faces around me were all strangers. I felt a wave of fear, but it quickly faded as the new classmates warmly greeted me and started chatting with me. I silently thanked fate for bringing me together with such kind people. Then, my new homeroom teacher entered the classroom. I wondered whether she would be kind. When I saw her, I immediately noticed her warm, friendly appearance—her long hair and gentle expression reminded me of my former teacher, Ms. Lan, who had been like a mother to me. My new homeroom teacher, Ms. Dung, was just like her—kind-hearted and compassionate. She introduced herself as our Math teacher and homeroom teacher, and during our first meeting, she gently explained to us the importance of responsibility, respect for our school, teachers, and classmates. Her words were so soft and caring, as if she saw us as her own children. It was the first lesson we received at this school.

On the morning of the opening ceremony, the sky was calm and warm. The sunlight peeked through the branches of the flamboyant trees. Dressed in my crisp white school uniform, I felt so happy. Today, I was finally a true student, wearing the áo dài I had always dreamed of. Standing in the middle of the schoolyard, surrounded by both familiar and unfamiliar faces, I felt a mix of nervous excitement, pride, and a strange joy that I couldn't quite explain.

Three weeks have passed, and I've already become accustomed to my new friends and teachers. Everything no longer feels strange or foreign. I’ve adapted to the new environment, with enjoyable lessons and fun breaks that have made a lasting impression on me. Studying at such a prestigious school, I am determined to work hard and make my teachers, classmates, and parents proud. I will never forget the feeling of stepping into this school for the first time.

“There are summer days that never return
Where the cicada's song weighs heavily on the wings of the crimson phoenix flowers.”

People often say that school days are the most memorable in one's life. With each passing summer, we begin a new school year, filled with beautiful memories. I am no different; the door to my middle school closed, and the door to Hiệp Hoà High School opened before me. The teachers, the friends here, have left the deepest impressions on my heart from my very first day. Goodbye to my fifteen years, to the scarf worn on my shoulders, to the memories under the roof of middle school. Now, preparing for the next chapter of my life, my heart stirs with emotions, reluctant to let go. After three months of hard summer study, I still can't believe I am a student, a small member of Hiệp Hoà High School number 1.

The first day of school also marked the first day of August. Just as people often say, fall is the season of new beginnings. The weather that day was cool, with a vast blue sky, the autumn breeze carrying a touch of chill. I suddenly realized how I felt; my heart was filled with excitement and a bit of nostalgia. Like many of you, it felt as if we were returning to the first day of first grade. The emotions were just as fresh and complete as they were back then. I looked up at the sky, then glanced around. The Hiệp Hoà High School campus was truly impressive, with five large multi-story buildings, spacious and clean. I felt as though I had been shrunk. This place was completely new to me. We were assigned to classes and met our homeroom teachers. My first impression when receiving my new class was that it had 42 girls and only 4 boys. This was beyond my imagination, and I still wonder why the school divided the classes like that... You might think that with so many girls, our homeroom teacher would surely be a female teacher. But no, another surprise awaited. Our homeroom teacher was a male teacher. He was funny, friendly, and paid close attention to us, explaining in detail the school rules we had to follow, teaching us to be responsible for ourselves and our school. This was the first lesson we received from him!

Then, the first days of learning began. It was not at all like what I had imagined. The teachers at Hiệp Hoà High School number 1 were truly friendly, enthusiastic, and dedicated to their students. Everything was new but felt so familiar... My thoughts about the school and the teachers had changed; it was a little strange, a little unfamiliar. But the teachers were indeed like the 'boatmen' guiding countless generations of students to success. They braved the hardships, rain, and sun to come to class. The feeling of being a stranger began to fade. It truly was like what they say: 'Teachers are like mothers.' We received lessons not only in theory but also in life, in daily manners. Thanks to the teachers, we, the new tenth graders, felt our anxiety about this 'brand new' school diminish. Through them, we understood why seniors often said, 'High school is tough, but it's also the most beautiful time of life.' The key to our future lies here, and it is the teachers who hold it out to us. Therefore, all of us must try our best! I believe this is the beginning of the struggles and challenges I will face to achieve the success I’ve always dreamed of. Indeed, I will walk proudly through every difficulty, confidently face every challenge, and strive to study well.

As for my class and my classmates, the first meeting was a little awkward and shy. But because my class was mostly girls, we quickly became familiar with each other. I am truly happy that my class is very friendly. Everyone is always ready to help each other with the most sincere affection. We promised to try our best together in studying and to create the most beautiful memories in our own student diaries.

Writing this, I feel a lump in my throat. This high school is not just where I - and all of us - will spend three years. Hiệp Hoà High School has weathered many ups and downs, with devoted teachers and diligent students, to become the strong, growing institution it is today, continuing to nurture the dreams of millions of people. I am proud to be part of the school's generation of students, proud to wear the logo of Hiệp Hoà High School number 1. No matter how time may stop or how the Earth may change its course, as long as my heart still beats, I will never forget the memories of those first days at high school under the gentle autumn sun.

Indeed, the teachers and friends during my first days at Hiệp Hoà High School number 1 are a memory I will always keep in a small corner of my mind. Whenever I open it, I will still hold onto that pure feeling, so I can look back, thank them, and smile to myself, knowing that this place has made my student life truly meaningful. Because:

“One day, you will grow

And fly far to the end of the sky

Will you ever remember, my dear

The school where you lived once.”

“The place that lifted you to great dreams

The sweet taste of life, the shadow of folk songs

The time we learned under the vibrant sun.”

If life were a melody, the school years would undoubtedly be the most vibrant chapter. Why? Because these years hold the purest and most beautiful memories, filled with friends, teachers, and the excitement of the first day of school. To this day, the feelings from my first day stepping into high school remain as fresh as ever.

In August, the sky was clear and blue, and the phoenix flowers had faded from their brilliant red hue. I said goodbye to my beloved red scarf and my middle school. On that sunny day, I walked toward my new high school. The sun and breeze danced on my shoulders, and my heart raced with anticipation. It felt just like the first day of school 10 years ago, except this time, there was no mother holding my hand and comforting me—just the laughter of my close friends along the way.

The road was long, but I knew it would lead me there. When I finally saw the gates of the school I had dreamed of for four years, when I saw students walking around, and groups of classmates entering the tall yellow gates, my emotions overflowed. The school, with its European-style architecture, the green trees, and the stone benches on the campus, was all unfamiliar to me. My thoughts were quickly interrupted by the announcement to gather.

The principal appeared on the stage, dignified and solemn. As he looked at the new students, still a bit naive, he greeted us with a friendly smile and a warm voice, congratulating us and reminding us that the class lists would be posted on the bulletin board in front of us. We hurried to check our class assignments, some of us hugging each other in joy at being in the same class, while others felt sadness as they were separated from their middle school friends. I, too, searched anxiously for my closest friend, but to my disappointment, we had all been split into different classes. We hugged each other, comforted one another, and then went to our new classes like pieces of paper. Although we weren’t in the same class, we could still play together, which lightened my heart significantly.

My class was 10A2, located in a corner of the B building, surrounded by green trees. Most of the students had already found a seat. As I looked at all the unfamiliar faces, I felt more nervous and excited. I quickly entered the room and found an empty seat. Everyone seemed unfamiliar with each other, their faces displaying signs of awkwardness. A pretty girl sitting next to me suddenly turned to me and smiled brightly, saying, “Hi, I’m Phương Linh.” I responded warmly, and we started talking, and Phương Linh became my first friend at high school.

The first day was spent meeting our homeroom teacher and getting to know our classmates. Our homeroom teacher was young and understanding, gently guiding us and giving us helpful advice. The unfamiliar faces gradually became more familiar. Laughter began to fill the room, and the joy quietly replaced my nervousness and unease. We said our goodbyes with smiles, hoping our class would be happy and that we would all strive to do our best in our studies.

One week quickly passed, and the 40 faces became more familiar. We gave each other fun nicknames and promised to wear our white Ao Dai for the official opening ceremony. I realized that adjusting to this unfamiliar environment wasn’t as difficult as I thought. As long as you open your heart, everything becomes easier. The first days of school brought me a range of emotions. No longer as innocent as I was in first grade, I felt that I had matured, ready to adapt to the lifestyle and learning of high school.

On the official opening day, the sky was still clear, and the sunlight was soft. Watching my new friends elegantly wearing their Ao Dai for the first time, and seeing the colorful balloons floating high in the wind, I felt happiness like never before flooding my heart. Phương Linh turned and smiled at me. That smile is something I still remember to this day.

Although time has passed since that first day at high school, the feelings I had then are something I will never forget. They have gently become a cherished part of my beautiful memories of my school years.

In everyone's life, there are moments that mark a significant turning point. These could include the first time you speak your first words, take your first steps, or carry your first school bag. For me, the most memorable moment was the day I entered the Dương Xá High School.

I believe that everyone has a mix of emotions that are difficult to put into words on such a day. Prior to that, we had undergone a long and stressful period of revision to secure a spot in a public high school. For me, it was a particularly tough time, as I was one of the weakest students in my class, especially in Math. There was a period of immense pressure from assignments, teachers, and family, and there were times when I felt like giving up. But then, a gentle hand rested on my shoulder, and a voice said, 'Keep going, you'll succeed!' Those were the words of my Literature teacher, which gave me the motivation to continue. I kept pushing forward, and my hard work paid off, leading me to this day. I walked confidently through the gates of my dream school, a school that many of my friends and I had longed to join.

I vividly remember that it was around mid-August, the day of enrollment, class assignments, and meeting the teachers. After the announcement, many students like me stood in neat lines. We learned our class assignments by reading a sign near the school gate. The first impression that day was the schoolyard. Before this, I attended a small village school, so the yard was tiny. But now, standing in this vast space, I marveled at how large and beautiful it was. There were towering old trees, probably planted when the school was first established. I heard that the school had been around for over 40 years. I looked up at the stage, where the motto 'First learn to behave, then learn to study' was inscribed—such a meaningful phrase. I noticed everything around me—everything felt so new, from the students to the teachers. Occasionally, I would spot a few familiar faces from my old school, but we were in different classes. We stood in line and listened to the school regulations. Afterward, we met our homeroom teacher, Ms. Thủy, who taught Biology. She had a kind and gentle face, round and welcoming. We followed her to our classroom.

Once inside the classroom, I made many new friends. We began by asking each other's names, where we were from, and which school we had attended before. This new environment was so different, with many more friends from various places, some of whom lived miles away. But it felt like we had known each other for years. I was happy to make so many new friends. I was even elected as class president by my teacher and classmates. The shy girl I once was had disappeared, and in her place was someone who felt more confident and assertive. In this classroom, with these friends and teachers, I knew I would learn so many new and valuable things.

And so, my first day at school came to an end. I was filled with joy and pride in what I had achieved. I promised myself that I would continue to study hard and improve in order to succeed in the years ahead.

The days of middle school are behind me, those innocent and carefree days of wearing a white uniform and red scarf, eagerly heading to school. Back then, we considered ourselves just kids, with little worry except for studying and playing. But today, stepping into high school for the first time, I could feel the changes happening within me, both mentally and emotionally.

In a classroom with over forty students, everything felt unfamiliar, and I was a bit nervous, wanting to retreat into a small corner. Of course, I was no longer a first grader crying at school, but the sense of unfamiliarity still lingered. My first day in high school was also my first-ever opening ceremony in secondary education. Compared to my middle school, which only had a few hundred students, the high school grounds, bustling with nearly 2,000 students, overwhelmed me. The boys were neatly dressed in their uniforms, looking sharp, while the girls like me got to experience wearing the traditional white áo dài, no longer adorned with the red scarf. Although I wasn't quite accustomed to the áo dài, it still felt beautiful, and I was proud to wear the one my mother had sewn for me last month.

The opening ceremony was held on a bright and sunny day, the sky clear and blue, with a few fluffy clouds drifting lazily by. The ceremony went smoothly, and I felt a surge of joy and excitement at seeing this grand and beautiful school, though I kept these feelings hidden. What stood out to me were the old, towering flame trees in the schoolyard. There were about ten of them, their branches lush with leaves, and at the base of each tree, a stone bench. I imagined how wonderful it would be to sit under the shade with a book during break times. This thought made me love the school even more. As we sat in the mild sun, listening to the speeches of the school leaders and teachers, some of the students were busy trying to shield themselves from the sun or chatting casually, while I curiously stared at the brown-tinted windows of the classrooms, wondering which one ours would be. I heard the school had nearly a hundred teachers, and they all looked very professional, especially the graceful áo dài worn by the female teachers, which I couldn't take my eyes off.

Then, I began observing the homeroom teacher. My first impression of him was very positive. He seemed to exude an air of authority and intelligence, and I thought he would be a very serious homeroom teacher.

After the ceremony, we were informed that we would receive our class assignments and schedules. Once settled in a quiet corner, I began to hear whispers and noticed that I felt a bit lonely. I didn’t know anyone yet and was too shy to start a conversation. I was used to waiting for others to approach me first. At that moment, I felt a bit sad as I remembered my close friends from middle school—those who were always by my side, studying and playing together, even choosing the same subjects for competitions. Now, I had to leave them behind and step into a new chapter of my life. I wondered if I would ever see them again. The homeroom teacher entered the classroom with a calm voice and briefly spoke about our studies and the direction for the years ahead. As I looked at my schedule, I felt a bit of pressure since my class was one of the two advanced natural sciences classes, meaning our schedule would be packed, and we would be studying almost all day. I realized that the carefree days of my childhood were behind me, and soon I would be immersed in endless lessons and homework. I would have to think about which field to focus on, what college to attend, and countless other future concerns. I wondered if my classmates felt the same way, what their past had been like. Despite the worries, I could already see that high school would be challenging but full of opportunities.

Honestly, my first day at school as a 15-year-old wasn’t filled with extraordinary memories, other than a bit of confusion and a sense of isolation. But I believe this is the case for all students, it’s just a matter of degree. I have a strong belief that this is the school where I will learn and shape my future. I can’t really explain why, but I feel certain that this is the right place for me to start my journey.

For everyone, school days are always the happiest and most carefree times. And especially, every new school year brings even more exciting emotions. I’m no different – even though I’ve experienced many back-to-school days, I always feel eager and excited for this one. And particularly, the first time I stepped into my high school left an even deeper impression. That’s Ngô Quyền High School in Biên Hòa, Đồng Nai.

Ngô Quyền has always been the school of my dreams. For a long time, I hoped to study here, as it’s known for its outstanding academic achievements and vibrant cultural and sports activities. This school is not just my dream, but the dream of many other students. And through hard work, I was able to be accepted into the high school I had always dreamed of.

The joy I felt was multiplied when I learned I had been placed in the prestigious 10A1 class. Honestly, the happiness and pride in me overflowed, and I eagerly awaited the first day of school.

On the first day, my emotions were somewhat different. I felt a bit nervous, bewildered, and even anxious. Truthfully, I wished for the days when I was accompanied to school by a family member. Everything felt so different from before – there were no more childish laughter or running around. The familiar teachers were gone, replaced by a more formal and “grown-up” atmosphere. The teachers and classmates were entirely new.

These feelings made me a bit hesitant as I stepped through the school gate. But this was the school I had always dreamed of, so why should I be afraid? I took a deep breath, gathered my confidence, and walked confidently to my class. Fortunately, I discovered that two of my middle school friends were in the same class. We were overjoyed to see each other, chatting happily as we caught up. Slowly, I forgot my fear and hesitation.

Soon after, our homeroom teacher entered the class. I had so many questions in my mind: What subject does she teach? Will she be strict? What should I do today? Fortunately, she answered all my questions immediately. Our homeroom teacher, Ms. Hoa, taught Literature. She was kind and gentle. During our first meeting, she shared some thoughtful words with the class. Like a mother, she delivered a warm welcome and helpful advice for starting this new chapter in our academic lives.

After the introductions, she began selecting class officers. The election was friendly and fun, with everyone in the class being very approachable and sociable. I felt more and more excited to make new friends and study in the 10A1 class. I was also starting to feel more at home in my new school.

Honestly, the opening day was wonderful. Wearing the pristine white áo dài, I felt much more mature. I had officially become a high school student, ready to embark on this new journey. The dream of attending this school had come true, and all the emotions from that day, from nervousness to pride, remain deeply etched in my memory.

After the first two weeks, I had already settled in with my new class. I had made new friends, spent time eating snacks and joking around, and all the teachers recognized me. The environment was truly amazing, even better than I had expected. My classmates were friendly and funny, and our homeroom teacher was caring and gentle. The lessons were engaging and exciting. This was exactly what I had dreamed of for my high school years.

To deserve studying in such a wonderful environment, I will strive to do my best, work hard, and aim to become an outstanding student. I will never forget the emotions of that first day at this high school.

The time has passed, unspoken to the tamarind tree

I’ve unknowingly flipped through each page of my notebook

When the red-flowered bombax trees no longer bloom with brilliance

I suddenly realize I’ve lost time

The two lines of poetry have been etched in my mind without me even realizing it, and every time I see tenth-grade students enrolling in school, I am reminded of myself two years ago. Emotions are similar for everyone, standing before the school gate, all of us feel anxious and uncertain about what’s ahead.

Each of us will have unforgettable moments in life, and for me, it was the moment I bid farewell to my old school and entered a new one — a new chapter in my life. That moment was truly unforgettable.

Saying goodbye to my red scarf, to my middle school, and stepping into high school felt like a wave of emotion sweeping over me: it was as though I was reliving my first day of school or the beginning of my middle school journey. The feeling was indescribable, just as it was back then!

August — the month that marks the transition from late summer to early autumn — is when the last few blooms of the bombax tree fall and it’s also the month when I step into high school, facing my first lessons.

The door to high school opened after three months of summer preparation. Everything here felt so foreign to me. Everything was new: the environment, the school, and even the people — a new school, new friends, new teachers, new ways of learning, and a new atmosphere. Despite all this, the memories of that first day still bring me joy. I knew I would need time to adjust and make new friends because these three years would shape my future. It was going to be a challenging journey.

That first day at school was a warm, calm day. The weather was gentle, and as the school announced the arrangements, I made sure I had everything ready. But inside, my emotions were all over the place because in front of me lay an entirely new world. In the past, after the long summer break, we would return to our familiar school with its familiar trees and benches, full of memories of playing with friends. But this year, I had entered high school — a completely new horizon. The school I attended was large, with a spacious campus. From the entrance, the smooth concrete path led past the tall three-story buildings. The trees, flagpoles, and classrooms came into view, and a sense of awe and happiness filled my heart.

Then, we were assigned to our classes. I silently wished I could be with my old friends. But in my new class, everyone was a stranger. “But I’ll get to know them over time,” I reassured myself. After a few moments of feeling out of place, our homeroom teacher entered. Her presence reminded me of my homeroom teacher from ninth grade. She was slender with kind eyes. Her familiar image calmed my nerves. The first words she spoke were about our responsibilities: to ourselves, to the school, and to our classmates in our studies and personal growth during our high school years. It was the first lesson I received at my new school.

The most memorable moment for me was the opening ceremony. In my new uniform — white blouse and dark pants — I truly felt like a high school student. I felt like I had grown up. The sound of the school bell rung by the principal seemed to hurry us to study hard. From that moment, I knew I had officially become part of this new environment.

When I was younger, I dreamed of being a high school student, and now that dream had come true. I was wearing the uniform I had never worn before, sitting near new friends I had never met, and learning from teachers I had just encountered. As my small dream had become a reality, bigger dreams began to take root inside me: graduating high school, passing university entrance exams… The emotions I felt were a mix of happiness and nostalgia. I was happy because I had matured, learning many new things from new lessons, new teachers, and new friends. But at the same time, memories of my old school and the advice and wishes of others on my university exam day flooded back.

But time never stops. It keeps moving forward, never pausing. And I must strive to hold on to each moment. I must make the most of these three years, though brief, they are incredibly important. Studying at a school with a long-standing tradition and achievements fills me with both pride and anxiety. But the most important thing for me now is my commitment to study and train well, living up to the school's legacy.

This school — Tran Hung Dao High School — is where I will spend only three years. Three years may not seem long, but it will be enough for us to cherish the memories of this school, our friends, and our teachers. And I’m sure I’ll never forget these first days — my first days stepping into high school, in the gentle days of mid-August.