Fresh out of 8th grade, freshmen have spent the first quarter discovering what high school is like. The transition comes with new challenges such as a bigger building, more responsibilities to navigate and higher expectations. Many freshmen say they already feel more mature than they did just a few months ago. They’ve taken on new classes, joined clubs, teams and are adjusting to a much heavier homework load.
“I was really surprised by the workload,” freshman Avanell Robert said. “I didn’t feel like they prepared us enough in middle school so I was really overwhelmed.”
Test taking has also been a struggle for new students.
“We didn’t really have to study for tests in middle school, I would just get by,” Roberts said. “But it definitely helped me mature in my schoolwork.”
Even though the work is tougher, many students feel proud of what they’ve achieved so far.
“I’ve matured a lot in my schoolwork,” Roberts said. “In middle school, I didn’t always study or do my homework. This year, I have more responsibilities and I am trying way harder.”
Freshmen also shared that strong grades and new friendships have played a big role in making the first quarter successful.
“My favorite class is biology because it’s pretty fun and we get to do a lot of cool things,” freshman Royal Lloyd-Hostetter said. “Spanish has been really challenging for me, though.”
Many freshmen also say they’re also growing socially.
“I think I’ve gone out of my comfort zone a lot more, talking to people and making new friends,” freshman Jackson Cross said.
Looking ahead, many are excited to feel more confident with the school routine as they’ve adjusted this first quarter.
“I’m looking forward to getting used to my classes and getting things on time now that I know how to do it and what it feels like,” Cross said.
Some freshmen also shared their goals for quarter two after their experience with the first.
“I wish I would’ve branched out more instead of being so quiet, and to have studied more,” Royal Lloyd-Hostetter said .
After just nine weeks, freshmen are already noticing big changes in who they are and how they can better themselves to handle their high school journey. With one quarter down and three to go, they’re proud of how far they’ve come and even more ready for what’s ahead.
