8:24 a.m.: As I walked across the quad containing a beach ball, ping pong table, ladder ball, and spikeball net, I knew the day was going to be a total vibe. The sun was out, and I was ready to have a much needed break from school: I was ready for May Day 2023. 

8:34 a.m.: My advisory and I took a brief trip over to Bliss to pick up our May Day T-shirts, designed by Sadye D. ’25, which helped us get into a summery mood! 

8:51 a.m.: Before the festivities began, we had “Life After Lakeside” career panels with alumni. There were six panels to choose from: finance, health and medicine, law, marketing and communications, nonprofit, and tech. 

These panels were the most controversial part of the entire day by far. When asked their thoughts in the Tatler Poll, one respondent shared, “I think the first part of the day needs to be restructured because it really isn’t worthwhile.” Another respondent shared, “I’m disappointed that we have to listen to people talk about their jobs.” 

To be completely honest, going into the panels in the morning, I definitely had my doubts. However, my concerns were quickly assuaged the moment I stepped into my first panel — law — and was instantly intrigued. In fact, every panel I attended had a diverse selection of Lakeside alum, and I really appreciated all of their insight and honesty. I believe they were incredibly worthwhile experiences, and I hope they happen again next year!

12:27 p.m.: The end of the keynote speaker’s speech and advisory meant it was time for lunch. To my dismay, when I walked towards the WCC, the line for food was quite long, and the field was overflowing with people.

12:49 p.m.: I took a look at all of the club’s stands, and the most enticing one was BSU’s, where you could create your own sugary skewers. I created a skewer with two marshmallows, a donut hole, and a mini brownie — all drizzled with chocolate sauce — which was SO DELICIOUS.

12:57 p.m.: Once I was sufficiently filled with sugar, I went straight to the obstacle course and had a thrilling race. Afterwards, I realized my phone had disappeared from my pockets, so I went back through a second time. Luckily, I was able to find it, and it miraculously didn’t get trampled in such a hectic inflatable. 

1:16 p.m.: My group went on the inflatable with spinning cylinders that participants had to dodge. It was exhilarating (yet a little physically exhausting), and either my group was amazing at it, or the operators took pity on us and slowed it down a bit. 

1:27 p.m.: The dunk tank always had a large crowd, presumably due to the weather, and it was separated into two groups: those who wanted to be dunked and those who wanted to dunk. While I wasn’t brave enough to be the former, I am proud to say I dunked a middle schooler on my third and final throwing attempt. 

1:42 p.m.: Ignoring my horrible basketball skills, I got in line to play the bungee basketball game with my friend. Unfortunately, I lost horribly. 

2:10 p.m.: I devoured a few mini ice cream cones from Robotics club. 

2:17 p.m.: After seeing the Stud Gov reps modeling the “lifeguard” variations of the May Day T-shirts, I finally caved and used my remaining tickets to enter the raffle in hopes of adding a second May Day T-shirt to my collection. 

2:36 p.m.: May Day ended at 2:36 for me, as I left a little bit early so I could get home and take a nice nap.