Alyssa Chang closes her eyes as she bathes in the New York sunlight during her graduation trip to West Village. In awe of the greenery surrounding her, she can't help but to stifle a smile. Photo courtesy of Alyssa Chang.

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Are you a night owl or a morning lark?

Kyara Trindade and Azul Rivera Meza

June 8, 2026

Reina Li

Different schedules, different lifestyles: DIS students and teachers share their thoughts on their mornings and nights.

Some students and teachers rise with the sun, while others stay awake past midnight. Interviewees share their thoughts on whether mornings or nights work best for school, work, or daily life. Plus they chat about the reasoning behind their lifestyle choices and routines.

Are you a night owl or a morning lark?

Mr. Loutsch, Secondary English Teacher

I am a morning person because of the teacher's lifestyle. When I was younger, I was a night owl, but the habit changed in college. Since I had school practicums and other assessments, I had to be up early. In the morning, it is more peaceful. I think it’s better.

Sean Kim, Eighth grade

I am more of a night person because I feel more awake than in the morning. I don't really like anything right after I wake up because I feel tired. At night, I usually talk to my friends or do some homework.

James Kim, Tenth grade

I prefer nighttime because I often procrastinate on homework and end up working very late. After several late nights, I no longer feel tired because my body adapts to staying awake longer.

Mr. Doile Choo, Business Manager at DIS

I'm a morning person. DIS starts very early, and as a staff member, I need to be at the office by 7:30 a.m., so I must rise early to avoid lateness.

Kodir Azizov, Ninth grade

I am a night owl. This is because I think that night owls are cooler than morning people. In my opinion, the morning is boring.

Molly Doh, Seventh grade

I'm a night owl because in the morning, I feel exhausted. I’m usually more occupied in the morning because of my school routine, so I prefer the nighttime because I get more free time to do whatever I want.

Yujun Piao, Eleventh grade

I think it mainly depends on a person’s lifestyle rather than something they are born with. In my case, I would say my current lifestyle makes me more of a night owl. Because of the school system, I usually have to wake up quite early, so I tend to get most of my work done later in the day. As a result, I often stay up late, which is why I would consider myself more of a night owl.

Joseph Yoon, Ninth grade

I'm more of a night person. Usually, I am much more active at night, and especially in the morning when I wake up, I don't think my brain functions well, so I can’t think properly. I usually do all my work at night and try to wake up as late as possible in the morning to arrive at school on time.

It seems that DIS teachers and staff consider themselves morning people, while students identify more as night owls. This suggests that school workload and busy schedules often lead younger people to stay up later, while older adults tend to follow more traditional daytime routines. What about you? Are you a night owl or a morning lark? Let us know in the comments.

About the Contributors

Kyara Trindade, Writer

Kyara Trindade starts her new journey as a writer for the Flyover. She loves discovering new cultures and she challenges herself to improve everyday. She appreciates this space to grow her passion for journalism and photography. She loves snapping pictures of nature. Now with the opportunity to step up her game in the newsroom, she hopes to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the small things in life, so that the unnoticeable become noticeable.

Azul Rivera Meza, Writer

Azul Rivera Meza starts her first year as a Flyover writer. Hailing from Mexico, she trains tirelessly to achieve her dream: to make the Olympics as a fencer for her home country. Although she spends most of her time at practice, she always makes sure to find space for her diverse hobbies, such as music, language, and K-dramas. Students can catch her smashing the drumkit with the DIS Rock Band at the next assembly, as she strives to entertain the community with schoolwide news.

Reina Li, Illustrator

Reina Li joins the Jets Flyover staff as an illustrator, armed with her love for art and graphic design. Skilled in various art mediums, she creates visuals that bring stories to life. When she’s not in the newsroom, Reina spends quality time with friends and explores new food around Esia. Her outgoing personality draws her friends into adventures, and her curiosity powers creativity and her art.