Advice from a Freshman to a Freshman

The transition to a new school can be scary but good news: all of this year’s freshmen have survived and lived to tell the tale. Going from middle school to high school, there are many changes that interesting and fun. One important way to making high school great is by getting involved and not being afraid to try new things. Trying out for a sports team or joining clubs are opportunities you should take. At FHS, there are plenty of clubs to join, and if you don’t see one you like, you can start your own! The important thing is to “put yourself out there and do things that are more out of your comfort zone, like talking to people you don’t really know or challenging yourself in a class,” as Elizabeth Leo says, who just finished up her freshman year.

Sports are a loScreenshot 2016-06-11 at 1.51.21 PMt of fun and a way to meet new people who share your interests, similar clubs. They’re really fun and a good way to make friends. Freshmen Cooper Ross and Sam Bernstein both agreed “their best experience was joining the baseball team and spending time with their teammates throughout the season.” So don’t be afraid to try out for a team or go to a meeting to a club you’re interested in.

Going to school
events, like Homecoming or Freshman Banquet, are chances definitely not to miss out on. They will make you feel more part of the school and help you create memories you will never forget.  Don’t think because you are a freshman you shouldn’t go because you would be missing out.

Some important advice is to use your directed studies efficiently. and talk to your teachers if you are confused on something you are learning. There are more tests and quizzes in high school and more homework than in middle school, so using your directed studies can be helpful to keep work under control. Using your direct studies efficiently instead of playing games would greatly help reduce the amount of homeworkScreenshot 2016-06-11 at 1.51.42 PM you have that night and give you more time to relax when you get home.  

Screenshot 2016-06-11 at 1.51.32 PMFinally, don’t shy away from asking your teachers for help.  Teachers have your best interest and like Sam Bernstein says, it’s important “to not be afraid to ask teachers questions if you don’t understand something.” Students have a lot more freedom in high school than in middle school so teachers will not always know you need help unless you ask.  Also, staying after for help can really improve grades and help you understand material better.

Overall, between high school and middle school, “there is a pretty big difference,” as freshman Brandi Osborne says, such as the school being bigger and “the work load increasing,” but “as long as you keep up with your work and get to know the school” it won’t be too bad. High school may seem scary, but it will be the best few years of your life if you put yourself out there.