Fresh-meat. Noobs. Nuisances. Call them what you like, but one thing’s for certain; we’ve all experienced being at the bottom of the food chain, so have some sympathy! Here’s to all the bright eyed, bushy tailed freshmen joining the Seminole High School family!
The “new” of freshman year is considered both terrifying and exhilarating to Seminole High School’s veterans who have been through the process. Junior Malika Watley says, “How big the campus was kind of shook me. I was scared about getting lost trying to find my classes or walking in late after the bell.” On the other hand, junior Liz Rydell says, “I was more excited than nervous. I didn’t know what to expect or how the upperclassmen would treat me, but after the first couple classes I was already used to everything.”
First and foremost, instead of trying to carry everything in your bag, avoid the Hunch Back of Notre Dame-look so common to freshmen; Seminole provides all students with lockers, so utilize them! Next, what shakes up most incoming freshmen? The booing at pep rallies. It is not to be taken to heart, but rather considered a rite of passage; so get used to it now cause it’s not going anywhere, bucko. Not to despair, the freshman’s time will come at continuing the ritual too.
When beginning high school, start the academic career off right. Do not succumb to the terrible plague of procrastination and let grades fall behind. As the years go by, one may begin to regret messing around, and at that point, there is no turning back. Save yourself the grief and get your stuff done now. Sophomore Eric Cheng says, “Time was plentiful. If you don’t hold everything off to the last minute.” When it comes to Homecoming/Spirit Week: go hard or go home. Its participation is campus-wide and it defeats the purpose if you do not join the festivities (you won’t look as stupid as you think)!
Do not wait to join extra-curricular activities, whether it is a club, newspaper/yearbook, or a sport. Start early and try a little of everything, and you will surely find your interests quickly. In an effort to amp up the résumé, colleges will not appreciate seeing random clubs piled on like Thanksgiving dinner right before application time. Instead, start early! A list of clubs can be found in your planner, or you can speak with Assistant Principal Phillips about starting a new one!
Meeting new people: you and your ‘middle-school-cool-crew’ may grow apart, as a result of just plain growing up. Foresee this, accept this, and move on. It may just be for the better. In the midst of all the new of high school, you will surely find your niche in no time. High school is teeming with a variety of people of different “groups” so do not associate with just one. Be yourself, get out there, and be known!
Everyone’s high school experience is quite strongly based on the friends they make, so always be keen on choosing wisely. Lastly, just enjoy yourself and don’t stress it! Senior Kayleigh Cobb says, “Enjoy every second of it, because it’s over in the blink of an eye.” Freshman year is only as fun and exciting as you make it, so as the motto goes: work hard, play hard.