First-year students commonly experience a lot of anxieties as they navigate their new academic environment.
The pressures of trying to blend in, overcoming the intimidation of upperclassmen, the fear of getting lost in unfamiliar hallways, and the challenge of keeping up with the harsh amount of classwork, all contribute to the worries that often stress out freshmen.
Freshman Teresa Turner said, “My biggest fear was not having any friends in my classes because this was a new experience for me, and I didn’t want to be alone in general.”
Freshman Sophia Kelly said, “My biggest fear about coming into high school was definitely the fact that in high school our grades count towards our future for when we go to college.”
Freshman Andraya Sims said, “My biggest fear was meeting new people and having to talk to more people than usual.”
The anticipation leading up to the first day of school can be a mix of excitement and nerves. The day before the first day often carries its own set of emotions and thoughts. As the day approached, students considered aspects of what the upcoming school year would bring.
Freshman Chris Bernardo said, “I was a little nervous because I didn’t know where I was going and how I would be able to get from place to place within a five minute passing time because the school seemed so massive.”
Jameson Barlow said, “I was excited to see everyone and I sorta knew going in there that I would have more freedom and I was happy to start my high school career.”
Freshman Sal Bonnano said, “I was pretty excited. I wasn’t really nervous. I just wanted to know what the teachers were like.”
Students at Waterford High School have the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports and extracurricular activities outside of class, offering them a chance to explore interests and develop skills.
Balancing academic responsibilities, social commitments, and personal interests while participating in sports and after-school activities can be rewarding and challenging.
Freshman Griffin Haffey said, “I’ve heard that doing all honors is not recommended and super hard, but I believe that’s not true.”
When asked how he manages school and extracurricular, Bernardo said, “Well it’s simple, really. I have a study hall and I get all my work done in the study hall, and if I have work left, I always have an hour after practice to get it done.”
When asked the same question, freshman and cheerleader Athena Hasiotis said, “Since I have a study hall, I get my homework done in there, and I stay after school for two hours until I have practice so I have time to get other work done then.”
Transitioning from middle school to high school marks a significant change in the academic world for students.
Haffey said, “My biggest fear coming into high school is how I’m going to be able to manage my time taking care of all honors classes while also having football for three hours after school six days a week.”
Freshman Jenessa Hudson said, “I use a planner to keep track of my assignments and practice schedules. I also make specific times for studying and cheer practice, so I can stay on top of everything.”
Layla Muriel said, “I try to keep up with most of my work by getting it done in school but if I have work I didn’t get to complete, I do it as homework after all my sports.” Muriel plays volleyball, lacrosse, and runs track.
Sims said, “I try and focus in class so I won’t have as much homework, but if I do have homework, I do it immediately after school or whenever I have the chance to, which gives me more time to focus on sports and clubs.”
While freshman year can be daunting, it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth and new experiences. Embracing these challenges head-on can lead to newfound confidence and lasting friendships.
