My freshman year of high school was also my second year living in the United States, after moving from Italy were I had lived for nine years, the majority of my lifetime thus far.

My first year living in the States I was an eighth grader, and half of that year I spent on Zoom, therefore; I then finished off the year in person. It was hard, nevertheless; especially the last day of school where everyone was in tears because they would be separated from these peers whom they had shared the past three years.

I was just there not being able to relate to anyone, and too scared to make close relationships with my classmates because I didn’t find the use in being friends with them for just a year and then forget all about each other the next.

Walking into a high school on the first day of freshman year was, nonetheless, overwhelming and exciting at the same time. The first thing that caught my attention was the sheer size of the cafeteria, only to soon be overwhelmed by the rest of the colossal school facility. 

What I also found very intimidating were the number of students milling around in the hallways. Even though the day before I had attended orientation, as well as Freshman/Senior Day, I still felt a bit lost and disoriented as I was trying to figure out where my classes were and how to get around.

The noises around me were loud, yet it felt like I was deaf with students chatting and laughing with each other, doors opening and closing, and announcements blaring over the loudspeakers. 

The smell of disinfectant, as my freshman year it was encouraged to properly follow all COVID-19 precautions, and the cafeteria food still in the air, throughout my attempts of figuring out where my next class would take place, I was able to take quick glimpses of colorful posters and flyers advertising various clubs and activities.

Overall, that day I went through a variety of mix emotions, ranging from nervousness and anxiety to excitement and anticipation. I kept on wondering if I’ll be able to fit in, if I’ll make friends or just someone to sit with during lunch, and if I’ll be able to handle the academic workload. At the same time, I was eager to explore the new environment, and take advantage of all the opportunities that Immaculata-La Salle High School has to offer.

To sum up, the first impression of high school as a freshman was a good mix of sensory overload, excitement, and apprehension. 

Today, I look back on it with a renewed sense of appreciation.