The hallway is packed with abnormally tall people, students who look like grown adults swarm the area. A storm of anxiety crashes over. The halls seem to stretch for miles, some winding in crazy circles with an occasional staircase. The day has only just begun, and everything seems so stressful.
Despite this discouraging experience, the days will transform into an easier sequence. Students find their classes quicker, creating a smoother transition between periods. First day jitters are very common, so here are some tips to keeping the stressful new setting under control.
Entering high school comes with numerous new worries, such as finding classes on time and keeping up with work loads. Despite harsh descriptions in movies and books, High school is very easy to navigate and find success. Keeping a map of the school along with a copy of one’s class schedule can greatly aid a new student in the search for each period.
While on the first couple days, students may be choosing a locker corresponding to their route. Students can put heavy books inside their lockers to avoid carrying a heavy load on their back, or leave an extra bag for sports or PE in there. A student may also want to bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and full during the day. Nobody wants to have a loud rumbling stomach in a dead silent class, and nothing is worse than having a coughing fit during a test.
Students should also be sure to have plenty of classroom supplies like pencils, pens, highlighters, notebooks, and headphones. Lastly, if a student loses a Chromebook charger, they should purchase another one. They will have to pay a fee for losing it anyway, so it is better to purchase a replacement than to be without one.
Unlike Middle School, High school brings many new experiences like Homecoming, Junior and Senior Prom, and other new freedoms. It is a time for students to try new things and figure out their true interests and hobbies.
“Enjoy your time as a freshman, because it will go by very quickly. Go out and do things that you normally wouldn’t, because this might be your only chance,” freshman Carlee McIntosh said.
Although the Middle School has a few various classes to choose, the high school contains a huge variety to pick from. This can contribute to the first day jitters, but it can also aid students greatly in finding a future career. Some kids take classes like BioMed and construction to learn about topics that may interest them after High School. Freshman should also consider choosing a pathway if they already have an idea of what they want to do in the future.
“Take classes that you think will be fun. Don’t take classes just for the credits, because the classes that you take for fun is where you’ll find friends. You’re not going to find your friends in AP Calculus. And don’t be dumb,” senior Deacon Sachs said.
The high school also offers help in the office for students who feel stressed or need aid for anything else.
“Be an advocate when you need resources. We have tutoring if you don’t understand your classes. If you need other resources we have guidance,’ the Director of Counseling Robyn Witty said.
Lots of freshmen don’t know that the resources are there, so it is important that they are informed of these tools.
