Transitioning from middle to high school can be jarring for new freshmen. Not only are they starting at a brand-new school, but they are also adjusting to a new schedule and system. Especially in a school as big as Cass, it can be overwhelming for new students.
As a current junior with social anxiety, I found freshman year to be particularly challenging. It took time to understand how everything worked as well as adjusting to the overall dynamic of high school. New freshmen will undoubtedly experience a similar period of adjustment; one such freshman, Bayley Dye, shared this sentiment: “I was very nervous [on my first day]…It’s a very big school, and there are a lot of kids.”
Like Dye, many freshmen are nervous about high school, whether it has to do with their classes or social life. In both areas, high school can be overwhelming, so having support is crucial. According to Cass’s lead counselor, Andrew Griffin, “[you] definitely need to get involved,” he continues, “Find something that makes your school day unique and something that you really enjoy doing. High school is the first time you’ve really ever had the freedom to choose your classes and extracurriculars. If you get involved and find something you’re passionate about, it makes high school much more fun and gives you a great community to work with.” Many students, including myself, can vouch for this. Participating in activities like theater, band, or sports can make school feel less like a chore, especially if you’re genuinely passionate about it. It gives you something to look forward to every day and provides a nice break from more rigorous classes.
Even if you’re unsure of what you’d enjoy, take a shot at something outside your comfort zone. Monal Nabulsi, another one of our counselors, reflected on her own high school experience: “I played sports in high school, which gave me a connection with others. It taught me how to balance extracurriculars with academic rigor. [If I could go back] I think I would have explored fine arts more, especially writing or journalism. I think that was a passion I never fully explored in high school.” Taking a chance at something new can help you discover new passions and learn more about yourself. Even if you don’t enjoy what you try, you’ll at least know it’s not for you and can move on to the next new thing. Try as many things as possible, because you have that freedom as a high schooler!
In terms of academics, freshman year is likely not your hardest year. That being said, it’s important to figure out routines that will help you throughout all of high school. Ms. Nabulsi advises, “I think freshman year is really about establishing your study habits and self-advocacy skills. If you need help, ask. Take advantage of gold time and office hours.” Finding a system that helps you be more productive is crucial for success in high school. It doesn’t have to be anything big—something as simple as setting aside a half hour every day to study or complete schoolwork can make a difference. These small habits can help prevent burnout and overwhelm. Establishing these patterns early in freshman year can help you maintain them throughout high school.
Aside from academics and extracurricular activities, the social aspect of high school can be extremely daunting, especially for new freshmen. You’re meeting new faces across multiple grades and getting to know new teachers. It can be a lot to keep track of, especially when things like clubs come into play. Briget Galloway, a junior at Cass, shared that the hardest part of the social aspect of freshman year was “feeling excluded because everyone who’s been here already knows each other…you just feel lonely.” New students should remember that feeling out of place, as Galloway describes, is entirely normal when starting a new era of your life. She adds, “[you shouldn’t] care what everybody else thinks of you, because I guarantee they’re thinking about themselves, just like you think about yourself.” What Galloway means is to try not to care about what other people think, because you don’t even notice those other people all the time. You don’t constantly think about every stranger you see in the halls, do you?
It’s important to remember that there are people at Cass who are willing to help you, including teachers and counselors. Ms. Nabulsi encourages students to get to know their counselors: “[We’re] someone you’re going to work with over the course of four years. So get to know us sooner rather than later so that we can help with your high school journey!” Mr. Griffin also encourages students to connect with their teachers on a personal level: “Teachers want to know you. They want to help you. If you’re just sitting in class, keeping your head down, and doing your work without making that connection with your teacher, you’re missing out on someone who could be a great resource for the next three years.”
As you progress through the next three years, you should use these resources to your advantage. Remember not to worry about what others think, develop good study habits, and find something you’re passionate about, whether it’s theater, band, sports, or any other organization that has your heart. If you focus on these things as a freshman, they will benefit you throughout high school and beyond.
