Starting high school is one of the most anticipated events of a teenager’s life. In September, difficult classes, friend group drama, the newest slice of gossip, and a whole new building and set of teachers awaited the freshman class of 2028. All of that might have felt intimidating, but, whether it be the school store or the exciting array of clubs and competitions, our high school has so much more to offer.
However, change can be daunting, and with the new building, various troubles can arise, such as adjusting to harder classes and balancing academics, clubs and sports.
Our high school has changed quite a lot recently. The “social heart”— our special name for the cafeteria— is beautifully designed with booths, stools, and charging stations. Additionally, last year’s renovations in the science wing added a modernized look to our school with marker-safe cabinets and self-cleaning goggle cabinets. The rejuvenated classrooms in the English wing also got refurbished with new desks and classroom arrangements.
One aspect of the high school that the freshmen seem to like is the staff. According to freshman Saerin Lee, they created a “loving community” within the school.
“[They are all] so nice and caring towards the school and respectful,” she said, adding that this made the switch of schools that much more comfortable.
Another valuable aspect of high school is the plethora of clubs that are offered to students of all grades.
“You can really explore your interests through those clubs,” Lee said. “There is more freedom and you can have so much more fun in general.”
Our clubs span a wide range of activities, from Robotics and Science Olympiads to Concert Choir, theater, and our very own The Knight Times!
Freedom in high school seems to be a major change from the middle school that students enjoy. After all, middle school students are in their late childhood and early teens where more rules need to be enforced to prepare them for the autonomy of high school. High school students, however, are in their later teens and are preparing to enter the workforce and adulthood, so a greater level of freedom is offered to them.
“[High school is] a lot more flexible and you have a lot more freedom in terms of what you can do,” said freshman Avanthika Balachandar. “You get to eat and buy snacks from the store, have a longer lunch period, and you get to listen to music.”
The transitions of schools, although exhilarating, can cause anxiety for some and a challenge for many to adjust to the new environment and courses.
According to Lee, the adjustment was “difficult in the first couple weeks” to the point that it was even overwhelming to be here at times. However, things have become more comfortable with time.
“It kind of feels surreal,” she said, commenting on how she now feels more comfortable and at ease. “But I’m so happy to move on.”
Her advice to other overwhelmed freshmen is to “Just keep pushing.”
“You’ll later think of it as so much more fun than you thought it was scary,” she said.