As the first quarter has come to an end, freshmen are beginning to adapt to the unfamiliar high school environment of WHS. Many are reflecting on their experiences and how their high school journey so far has matched, or differed from, their expectations.
“Many incoming ninth graders share that they’re nervous or apprehensive about the transition to high school, and that’s very understandable,” said guidance counselor Luke Townsend. “Making that leap from being the oldest ones in middle school to being the youngest in high school can be intimidating.”
This initial fear of change is often met with positive surprises. Many freshmen have expressed how much they enjoy the independence and excitement that comes with high school.
“At first I was a little scared as there are a lot more people compared to middle school,” said freshman Warner Hardin. “I definitely think that because of this change, I am trying not to goof around anymore and focus more on school.”
Some freshmen are discovering that success in high school doesn’t necessarily mean working harder but instead means working smarter when it comes to facing the new workload.
“I thought that there would be a lot of work in high school, and I feel like there is a lot,” said freshman Flora Myers. “But I can definitely get it done if I manage my time right.”
This ability to employ time management is essential in the transition as the pace of high school is faster than that of middle school, especially at the start of the year, which at the middle school was typically a time of settling in and getting to know teachers, but is quite different at the high school.
“Generally, I don’t think students are surprised or put off by the workload, but they’re more surprised by the change of pace compared to middle school,” said Townsend. “The faster start out of the gate can be a more difficult transition for students.”
Socially, many students had preconceived notions about how easy or difficult it would be to make new friends in high school, while others were surprised to find that the social dynamics are also included in out of class activities, such as extracurriculars.
“I am doing the school musical, and I think it’s pretty fun as there are a lot of interesting people,” said Hardin. “I am also thinking of joining the boys volleyball team and talking to new students to make more friends.”
WHS provides various opportunities for freshmen to branch out socially, with sports and clubs playing a big role in helping students integrate into the community.
“For our new students, our ambassadors program is an amazing catalyst for introducing them to friendly faces,” said Townsend. “Students involved in fall sports or those who quickly get involved in a club seem to find new and strong groups of friends.”
When it comes to teachers, many freshmen were unsure of what to expect. Some freshmen have found WHS teachers encourage more independence, and that the structures to offer extra help and support are less readily accessible than they were at the Middle School.
“Compared to middle school, I feel like we don’t get as much help from the teachers and need to work and learn more on our own on the homework and other assignments,” said freshman Tucker Cashel. “The challenge of the amount of homework definitely surprised me.”
Others have found that the support from teachers has been available but not as needed as they adjust to the increased independence and responsibility that comes with high school. Although the added responsibilities can feel overwhelming at times, many freshmen are rising to the challenge.
“At the beginning, I thought that I was going to need a lot of help with my schoolwork, but I don’t think I do [anymore] as I have gained more confidence,” said freshman Meghan Byrnes.
Looking ahead, many freshmen are feeling more confident as they move into the next stages of their high school careers, recognizing that greater independence can be a positive element of school.
“I am looking forward to the freedom that high school brings as it seems different from middle school, which makes it more challenging but exciting,” said Myers.
While high school presents its share of challenges, many freshmen are finding that the experience is ultimately rewarding. As they navigate through the ups and downs of their first year, they’re developing the skills they’ll need for success in the years ahead.
“Despite thinking that high school was scary [due to] getting new teachers, lunches separated from friends, and hard work, high school turns out to be not as scary. If you do your homework and keep up, it’ll be okay,” said Byrnes.
