While the circumstances of the 2020-2021 school year are still uncertain, there’s one factor that remains constant among thousands of rising High Schoolers across the country: the anxiety and struggles of starting freshman year.
High school, in the media, is a heavily romanticized experience that often sets some unrealistic expectations for incoming freshmen. Movies depict daily partying, bullies that are 6’1 football jocks, clique divisions of social and lunch table relevance, and school-sponsored kissing booths. In reality, High School is nothing like that.
For freshmen, the first year of High School is hard to overcome and push through. Instead of planning a school-wide party, freshmen (like their upperclassmen counterparts) might find themselves planning homework schedules or community service dates. But of this academic struggle that is never shown in movies, one thing is for sure: advice from upperclassmen might help make the experience more bearable and even worthwhile.
So, What’s The Advice?
An important part of school is extra curricular activities. They strengthen one’s academic standing for college, while also helping to meet new people and share a hobby for one to enjoy with others.
At Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC), there’s a wide variety of clubs students can join and take part in. The Black History Club, Hispanic Heritage Club, and the Caribbean Culture Club allow students to bond with those who share their heritage and delve into their culture. Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA), Students Helping Achieve Philanthropic Excellence (SHAPE), and Junior State of America (JSA) all help students strengthen their resumes and build leadership skills.
Other clubs are STEM-focused, for all who enjoy robotics and learning how to code. And for all artists, drama and the many varieties of dancing clubs and teams are outside-of-the-classroom artistic outlets that are a must-do. With such a wide variety, there’s a club for every student’s needs.
A small detail many incoming freshman seem to overlook is the presence of mutual friends or acquaintances coming into the school with them. Connecting with acquaintances from Middle School is a great way to reconnect and alleviate the stress some classes may bring. Of course, some students may be entering MLEC alone, but there’s no need to fret.
Very soon, students will meet their strand and academy mates, of which they will work alongside for the rest of their high school careers. Opening up to new people may seem difficult at first and anxiety-inducing, but it helps to know a variety of people when choosing where to sit for lunch — or join breakout rooms in Zoom classes for now.
Getting to know one’s teachers tends to be overlooked as well. Going into class each day and keeping up academically is important, but so is being able to ask questions and get help from one’s teachers.
Teachers are always willing to advise, talk to, and help students that put forth maximum effort, as well as those who they know are reaching for some type of goal at the end of the year. Ultimately, teachers are going to be one’s mentors — guiders throughout the next four years and the individuals who will help you with the college process. It is crucial to connect with some teachers from the start.
Generally, there are “freshman help guides” at school, which help students find their way through classes and stay focused , but of course, this year, amid virtual learning, things are going to be different. At the end though, at MLEC it’s important that everyone feels included and at home. Gaining a sense of community will help every student in the long run — whether it is shaping memories that’ll last a lifetime, or making one’s least favorite class more bearable each day.
Creating a safe space in this big, scary world of high school makes everything a little easier.
