MIDLAND Vol. XCIII
Midland School
MIRROR
Los Olivos, California
October 2024
No. 1
Land All School Hardluck By Amelie ‘27 The Trip Shed was emptied of ground tarps and 71 students' minds were filled with excitement for a night spent on the property. For the last few years, Midlanders have spent their first Friday night of the school year on a class Hardluck. Like any Hardluck, these overnights leave after dinner and return before breakfast, meaning students can enjoy a night on the property without extensive planning or heavy backpacks. With the help of student leaders, the faculty attempt to foster an environment where students can get to know each other and our campus all at once. Beginning the year with class Hardlucks provides a chance for students who don’t often engage with the outdoor program a chance to enjoy themselves while in nature. This experience can often foster a connection to and excitement for the land, which in turn inspires these students to seek out future outdoor experiences. “Since the beginning, Hardlucks have been about spending time with classmates on the property with minimal preparation, which are the parts I love most!” said Dan, Dean of Experiential Learning and the organizer of this Hardluck. As the sun set, laughter bubbled across Midland’s little valley from all directions, marking the Hardlucks as a massive success. Icebreaker games and Gloria’s warm cookies sent students into a sleepy night. The sun woke us up earlier than our alarms would have, but something about the views from the hilltops kept those sleepy teenagers in high spirits. After a quick hike back to campus, the grades met once again at the trip shed to clean and put away their gear. Warm breakfast filled hungry bellies as the stories began to spread. Once again, the class Hardluck brought joy and connection to the students of Midland, a brilliant way Tess ‘25 hiking with her dog Lula For the incoming 9th graders, this is the first night that the whole class to start the school year. spends together. Lucas ‘28 mentioned that the Hardluck “made everyone closer and gave us a time to hang out as a class outside of the classroom, which is not something that's often done.” This year, the 9th graders headed to Platform 21, the sophomores trekked to Golden Horseshoe, the juniors climbed to Bradley Mesa and the seniors camped at Tank Mesa. These four high points offered excellent views of the stars as well as sunrise and sunset vistas. The Midland Stewards, both aspiring and current, got a chance to start the year leading their classes along trails, through gear checkouts and towards a relaxing, yet all the while exhilarating night. Tess ‘25, Senior Steward and rockstar outdoor leader, noted that class Hardlucks put less responsibility on the stewards to allow them to enjoy a night with their classmates, but still offer a chance to practice outdoor leadership skills. This balance means things run smoothly and happily. Ava ‘25, Caleb ‘25, Kielson ‘25, and Claudia ‘25 talking under the stars 1