With every new school year comes a fresh batch of students starting high school for the first time. We all remember what it felt like to be a freshman: making new friends, adjusting to a high school workload, and navigating a new campus, all while trying to balance it all. New students are dealing with a variety of stressors like higher expectations, difficult course work, and changing social dynamics. A study by Rose Academics shows a 25% surge of students who start experiencing frequent stress when entering high school compared to middle school. Because of this, it’s safe to say most high schoolers have dealt with stress. Terra Linda students, who have all experienced the challenges of being freshmen, can offer valuable advice to help new students navigate this important transition.
“Never procrastinate,” Alumita Galodamu ‘27 said. “That’s the number one reason you don’t understand the subject.” Since classes tend to grow more challenging—both over the course of a single year and as students progress through high school—it’s important to pay attention and complete your work on time. Because teachers often have more than 100 students, it is not their responsibility to ensure everyone understands. In fact, data from the UChicago school of Research proves that this freshman-year work ethic is critical: a student’s 9th-grade GPA and habits are more predictive of high school graduation than their prior test scores or background combined. Taking responsibility is one of the most important things students have to do. TL junior Bella Inskeep emphasized that it is important to “Stay on top of your work and prioritize tutorials.” Sara Hartjie ‘29 similarly highlighted the importance of work ethic,recommending,”Try and develop study habits, even if your classes aren’t super hard… it’s good to know how to study.” The bottom line is simple: developing strong work habits now and maintaining them for the rest of high school is extremely important.
Students are at a time of personal growth, and are figuring out what they most enjoy in life, and what role it will play in their future. It is when you come out of your comfort zone to do things you love that you find your people. “Join as many clubs and sports as you can,” Galodamu suggested. “That allows you to create a community and make new friends.” The great part about being surrounded by so many new students is that you have the opportunity to meet new people and develop friendships. “Try new things,” Hartje added. “That’s how you meet new people… it’s okay if you don’t stick with it.” Beyond branching out, Galodamu also notes that“Being kind and nice takes you so far, and if you’re known for that, more people want to be friends with you.”
Lastly, one thing students frequently forget about is not only building good relationships with their peers, but also with their teachers. Your instructors are some of the most important people in your life.Not only do they dictate a good portion of your high school career, but they can be just as supportive as friends and family. Building these relationships is simple. The important things to do are to try your hardest and be kind. As long as you’re showing up and giving maximum effort, developing strong relationships with your teachers comes naturally.
While everything is new and constantly changing, it is important to slow down and establish some goals. Even though it can feel overwhelming, you do not need to have everything figured out right away. By staying on top of your school work, being kind, and branching out, you are already building habits that will help you throughout not only high school, but the rest of your life.
