Thinking about your first day of high school might stir a mix of emotions. It’s an exciting yet nerve-racking step with many elements to consider. What will the people be like? What kinds of classes will you have? Will you make new friends? A flood of questions that often linger until experience provides the answers.
Freshman year marks the beginning of a transformative four-year journey. It’s a time to explore, learn, and start figuring out who you are.
Junior Olivia Baker emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary drama, especially since much of it becomes irrelevant in the long run. “Don’t try to defend yourself because after all you’re still going to be here for four years, right? Baker said.
“Owning up to the stuff you did is the most important thing,” Baker said, highlighting the value of authenticity and personal accountability. For freshmen, staying true to yourself and learning self-sufficiency can be crucial lessons early on.
While the nine weeks of the first quarter may seem like a long time, the school year can pass quickly. Before you know it, you will be going into the summer before 10th grade. Staying on task can be challenging for some people, especially for new 9th graders. The rapid shift from middle school to high school can be difficult to adapt to at first. However, staying organized and on top of assignments can make the transition smoother and less stressful. 
Freshman Maddie Greene notes the differences between eighth and ninth grade, stressing the importance of staying on task in the new environment.
“The responsibilities are higher and there is definitely more work,” Greene said. “They definitely ask for a lot more, but the whole experience is fun and a lot less tense after getting used to it.”
Greene also observed a shift in maturity levels and the overall academic atmosphere, highlighting how high school feels like a step up in both expectations and experiences.
For many freshmen, their early days in high school are shaped by various factors, but one constant is the influence of their teachers. Jumping into high school can feel like being thrown into the deep end of a pool, but teachers are there to guide students as they adapt and grow.
Science teacher Mr. Phillips recalls his freshman year. He claims that he, too, shared the same nervousness and struggles as many freshmen today.
“It was probably one of my worst years of high school, to be honest with you,” Phillips said. “I didn’t do very well academically and was trying to fit in. I didn’t get very good grades. Which was very new for me at the time because in middle school it was a lot easier.”
Phillips also reflected on how times have changed since his freshman year, noting both challenges and advantages in today’s world.
“We didn’t have phones, we didn’t have technology,” Phillip said. “You had to read the book and write it down on paper. I went to a very small public high school. I had 50 kids in my graduating class. Here it’s computers and distractions. A different time, a different era, but same expectations.”
With the first quarter now complete, students move into the latter part of the semester. This time of year brings holidays and breaks, making it more enjoyable for many. However, the second quarter also brings its challenges, with exams and assignments piling up. Hopefully, students have developed skills and become comfortable in a now familiar atmosphere.
At first, high school can seem overwhelming and intimidating. But as you settle in and discover your interests, it becomes a little less daunting. Much of the experience is mental — approaching high school with a positive attitude can make all the difference.
School doesn’t have to be scary or confusing; it can be a fun, rewarding journey filled with new opportunities and personal growth.
