Becoming a freshman in high school can be a very scary thing. Being around new people in a new environment can be intimidating to some. Some tend to feel “stressed, worried, or fearful,” according to “The Mane Street Mirror.” Although arriving at high school can be difficult, eventually those feelings go away, and freshman are able to adapt in their new environment.
Going from eighth grade to ninth grade is a big transition. Hillgrove freshman, JT Teal described the transition to be “different, with middle school having seven classes and high school having four.” Having four classes seems to be a positive for freshman as it decreases their workload and allows them to be less stressed. Having less stress in high school is essential to any high schooler's well-being and mental health, but especially freshman. It is important that they have a seamless transition to help them feel welcome and comfortable in the new school.
The students and staff at Hillgrove are a key part of the freshmen welcoming experience. Another freshman at Hillgrove, Sabrina Bontempi, expresses she, “really liked the orientation,” and, “feels welcome at the school.” The freshman orientation is run by a group of freshman mentors who help freshmen become more familiar with the environment. They give a tour of the school and answer any of their lingering questions right before school starts. This process allows students to relieve themselves of any nerves or “first day jitters,” because they don’t have to worry about getting lost which is, “a big fear for some,” according to “Brave Mind Psychological Services.” The staff also are “very helpful, [and] they are very understanding,” according to Bontempi. Having a good staff can make one’s freshman experience all the better. With better staff, students are more receptive and are more likely to feel more comfortable.
As with all new things, struggles are bound to happen. One of the biggest struggles as a freshman, according to ninth grader Oluomachi Okeiyi is, “time management... like procrastination.” Learning to manage time well is a learning curve that all students must battle, especially freshman due to their new environment. Being able to manage time contributes to overall success throughout high school but can also be an important life skill.
Once adapted to high school, everything falls into place, and it becomes easier to relax and enjoy school. Although freshman year may seem scary from afar, once you get comfortable, it seems like just another day.
Going from eighth grade to ninth grade is a big transition. Hillgrove freshman, JT Teal described the transition to be “different, with middle school having seven classes and high school having four.” Having four classes seems to be a positive for freshman as it decreases their workload and allows them to be less stressed. Having less stress in high school is essential to any high schooler's well-being and mental health, but especially freshman. It is important that they have a seamless transition to help them feel welcome and comfortable in the new school.
The students and staff at Hillgrove are a key part of the freshmen welcoming experience. Another freshman at Hillgrove, Sabrina Bontempi, expresses she, “really liked the orientation,” and, “feels welcome at the school.” The freshman orientation is run by a group of freshman mentors who help freshmen become more familiar with the environment. They give a tour of the school and answer any of their lingering questions right before school starts. This process allows students to relieve themselves of any nerves or “first day jitters,” because they don’t have to worry about getting lost which is, “a big fear for some,” according to “Brave Mind Psychological Services.” The staff also are “very helpful, [and] they are very understanding,” according to Bontempi. Having a good staff can make one’s freshman experience all the better. With better staff, students are more receptive and are more likely to feel more comfortable.
As with all new things, struggles are bound to happen. One of the biggest struggles as a freshman, according to ninth grader Oluomachi Okeiyi is, “time management... like procrastination.” Learning to manage time well is a learning curve that all students must battle, especially freshman due to their new environment. Being able to manage time contributes to overall success throughout high school but can also be an important life skill.
Once adapted to high school, everything falls into place, and it becomes easier to relax and enjoy school. Although freshman year may seem scary from afar, once you get comfortable, it seems like just another day.