AT Koblerville Elementary School on Tuesday, Kailani Camacho brought her 6-year-old daughter, Kaeya Calage, for her first day in first grade. “I’m excited for her to learn new things and see how she transitions each year,” Camacho said. She added that she prepared her daughter over the summer to readjust to the school routine. Calage was too shy to speak about her first day as a first grader. Saipan Southern High School senior Lallayne Torregosa accompanied her younger brother, fifth grader Jacob Torregosa, to the elementary school. “I prepped him, telling him this is his last year of elementary school and to make the most of it before puberty,” she said. She noted that her brother had been waking up early in preparation but sometimes stayed up late playing “Roblox,” which could affect his sleep. Jacob Torregosa declined to comment. At Saipan Southern High School, seniors Azriel Fatialosa and Leandro Mendiola shared their thoughts on their “last first day ever.” “I’m a senior; I’ve done this 12 times already,” Mendiola said. “But it’s all good. I’m going to enjoy my senior year and have fun today.” He plans to attend the University of Hawaii Hilo to study radiology. “The start of the school year is a new opportunity for students,” he said. “At the beginning of the year, you start fresh. You have new classes and all you have to do is maintain your grades.” Fatialosa said her final first day in high school feels surreal. “I’m still in disbelief. I’m a senior, and this is my last first day. 2026 seemed so far away when I was younger. I’m nervous but excited at the same time.” She also looks forward to basketball, volleyball, va’a and soccer seasons and hopes her peers will be active in school events. “I really want to bring up more ‘manta pride,’ not only in sports but also in pep rallies and other events,” she said. Both seniors offered advice to underclassmen. Fatialosa urged students to take their freshman year seriously. “Don’t procrastinate. My biggest mistake was not focusing early on.” Mendiola added, “It’s not all about having fun. You’re at school to learn. Be self-accountable and try your best. At the end of the day, it’s all on you — not your teachers or counselors.”