By Finn Cousins—
Every March, eighth-grade applicants around the DMV hear back from the Gonzaga admissions office that lies within Dooley Hall. All students at Gonzaga know that the original seal and hallway that transcends time is such a special place to all walks of life on campus. Not only is this the place where students are notified whether or not they can come to Gonzaga, but it also constantly reminds them of how deep the history of the school is.
The application process has been different during the pandemic. Luke Cousins, an eighth-grader from Alexandria, Va, who just received his acceptance letter, had some interesting perspective towards his process of choosing to go to Gonzaga, which was certainly different than the traditional experience.
Most applicants go through the Eagle-for-a-Day program, which is where a prospective student shadows a freshman throughout his day at Gonzaga, showing the eighth-grader what he should expect from the school and how to adapt to the culture of Eye Street.
“Not being able to go to campus has been hard because I am kind of going into the school blind. I want to meet teachers and other students in person. Just want to have an idea of the social scene,” Cousins said.
The Eagle-for-a-Day program has taken a hit, and there were no shadows this year due to protocols and maintaining safety on campus.
“I applied to Gonzaga because I saw how much it changed my brother. Just want to be a part of the brotherhood he has shown me,” Cousins said.
Not only does this speak volumes about what people generally know about the Gonzaga community, but it also intensifies the idea that the aura of love between students on campus has continued despite certain setbacks.
“I am worried about how COVID-19 will affect my first year of high school. Seeing how my brother went through Gonzaga and having to possibly do things differently might be hard,” Cousins said, “but hopefully things will pick back up again by the time I set foot on campus as a student.”
Even those at Gonzaga are aware that the pandemic could affect incoming classes.
“It will be interesting to see how this class will do following the pandemic,” said assistant admissions director Mr. Mike Hanagan.
Not only do current freshmen have a different perspective upon being a Gonzaga student, but so will this upcoming class of 2025.