You find yourself seated in a coffee shop, you look up and find your crush sitting across from you. Hesitation courses through you, but suddenly, they rise from their seats and make their way toward you. With an alluring tone, they unexpectedly ask you to join them for a date.
High schoolers go through many events that can be nerve-wracking or exciting, but nothing compares to a first date. These first encounters can be awkward yet memorable. Through personal stories and reflections, we explore what makes a first date memorable and why these moments hold a special place in our hearts.
Getting ready for a date is a process that has changed over time. In the past, one might go home after school and spend hours showering, picking out a special outfit, doing one’s hair and waiting to be picked up. Nowadays, students keep it casual and skip the getting ready part and just go right after school instead.
Freshman Tanya Hernandez shared with us how quickly it took for her first date to come together.
“Honestly, nothing because it was after school,” Hernandez said.
Reflecting on your first date, one of the most memorable aspects is likely the awkwardness that comes with new connections. If you haven’t had that experience yet, you might find yourself daydreaming about it—wondering what you’ll talk about, where you’ll sit or whether you’ll share that nervous first hug. Will you stumble over your words or share a laugh over an inside joke? Each little detail adds to the excitement of that first encounter such as thinking about what you are going to say and how you will meet up. Will you be the first to break the ice, and how?These moments create lasting memories.
Hernandez mentioned her awkward experience on her first date.
“It was awkward because it was like a week after I asked him out, and it was pretty awkward,” she said.
Though we sometimes stumble through awkward situations, they become minor moments in our time together. What truly shines is the joy of being with someone you care deeply for. There’s a unique warmth in being with someone special to you. It turns even the simplest moments into cherished memories, making every laugh, every conversation and every shared glance feel truly special.
Freshman Edwin Alcaraz is a walking example of this concept. He talks about his enjoyment of his first date with Hernandez.
“I think it went pretty well because I bought her food and we were happy. We were together and like not feeling embarrassed to be with each other,” Alcaraz said.
Maybe you’re nervous about that first date and you find yourself interested in learning about others’ experiences hoping to make the most of your first date.
Senior Daisy Villalobos has a gem of advice for anyone looking forward to their first date.
“Definitely have everything planned out beforehand, you don’t want things to happen,” Villalobos said.
She shared with us her hilarious moment about her first date that made her suggest planning out beforehand.
“We couldn’t find each other for like 10 minutes, because we didn’t know where the other was. We were on opposite sides,” Villalobos said.
On a first date, couples share stories and laughter, but also spotlight the fascinating qualities that make us unique, which helps us form a deeper connection.
Freshman Melanie Ramos and sophomore Damian Mendez share their first impressions of each other on their first date—showing their admiration for each other.
“I thought he was really sweet,” Ramos said.
“I thought she was really pretty, really sweet, and loving,” Mendez said.