Written by Amber Rivera / Staff Writer
As the first day of school begins, the upperclassmen, who walk through the hallways like they have been there their whole lives, tower over the freshmen who are just starting the next four years of their high school career.
High school is four years of a student’s life that shapes their personality, friendships, social skills and intellect. Freshman year is the first step of those four years, where a student learns what it is like to have a high school experience, away from the grade school years.
“I remember walking through the halls, trying to find my classrooms, as I was completely intimidated by all the ‘big’ people,” said senior Pamala Tenorio.
Freshmen can be confused, misled, and gullible as they do not know the ins and outs of how to survive high school. Throughout the four years, students learn what to do and especially what not to do, when it comes to studies, relationships, and social life.
By their senior year, most students wish they could give their freshman-self advice for high school because now they know better. With the full high school experience, they have had all kinds of teachers, experienced all high school drama, and have stressed out about anything and everything.
“Freshmen year I spark-noted all of the books I had to read,” said senior Anyssa Rodarte. “But I soon learned that it pays off to actually read the book and take notes.”
Rodarte went on to explain that since it is required to take English all four years, a student might as well read the books they are assigned because it will pay off in the end, when those skills can be used for tests, the SAT, and ACT.
Juniors are also experienced when it comes to social life in high school. By the age of 17, most students wish they could go back and tell their 15 year-old-self how to handle friendships, relationships and family issues.
“Don’t allow your friends to define who you are,” said junior Rachel Shapiro. “I regrettingly kept friends who were ‘cool’ but didn’t have the same values as me.”
Sophomores now have two years of experience under their belts and can recall everything they wish they had or hadn’t done freshman year.
“I wish I had gotten tutoring for subjects I struggled in, because I know now that those classes will affect the rest of my high school years,” said sophomore Isabel Mayo.
Freshman teachers get to see students when they come in their first year, and watch them grow into seniors four years later. They witness the freshman struggle and succeed as they learn how to go through the high school system.
“Freshmen come to high school scared of what’s ahead, but we depend on the upperclassmen to lead them in the right direction,” said Mrs. Kristen Nass.
