High school is a benchmark many students look forward to throughout elementary and middle school, a level that freshmen at Marriotts Ridge High School have recently made. One may expect feelings of fear, excitement, confusion and desire as they enter their next stage of life. For the freshmen feeling any of these emotions, there are paths laid out for them.
Sophomore Vincent Hermodsson elaborated on his experience, “It was intimidating [coming to high school for the first time] because I heard it was really difficult… but it really wasn’t, it’s not that much different than middle school.”
The first question on most freshmen’s minds is how to begin in high school and what options exist at MRHS? The answer to these questions needs to be explored.
Senior Suraj Sivam explained, “I did not expect myself to be [in the position I am in], I didn’t expect myself to take all these different courses. There are a lot of courses at the school that are fun and you don’t really know where you are going to go.”
Students may explore a far wider variety of options in high school, more than they have ever had before. Unlike middle school, every student’s pathway through classes is unique. For freshmen, this means thinking ahead about what topics interest them and selecting classes to bring them to their goal. While balancing required courses, available in Synergy within course history; desired courses for the future, lists coming out around the time to select classes for next year; and opportunities such as Jumpstart, an accelerated program to take college classes in high school, freshmen must consider their future.
Freshmen may feel they have strong pressure on them because of this focus that is being placed on their future. Students should be exploring what they like in high school and subjects they would be happy to continue with in the future, even if not to commit to anything. High school is the time to take advantage of the world of possibilities for the future with new freedoms. If in doubt, freshmen may seek guidance from the people around them.
School counselor Mrs. McKechnie says, “A lot of freshmen are nervous right now, just about starting… a new school and having more freedoms than they used to… [freshmen should] get to know their counselor and other people in the building that they have as supports.”
With the fear high school can bring, such people in students’ lives are important to provide support, be it counselors, teachers or other students. MRHS has tools to help students with developing these connections.
McKechnie explained, “I always advise students to look out for clubs that they can join or get involved in some activities like a sport.”
Students had the ability to view the Club Fair from September 16th to September 20th to learn about what clubs exist to suit their niche: from Dungeons and Dragons, to chess and K-way club. Additionally, students should watch their announcements to receive information regarding sport tryouts and any other potential opportunities.
Whenever freshmen have questions, they are able to ask their friends, teachers or counselor. As freshmen Colon Gobel and Sedona Kaplan said, “I just asked the teachers… if I need help with anything… and they explain.”
Many people have been in the freshmen’s shoes and know how it can feel to be in their position. Be it through clubs, sports, studies or social standings, high school will grow the student so long as the student is willing to put in effort to integrate.
