Walking onto a high school campus for the first time can be like stepping into a whole new world you never knew existed, exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.
At times, it might feel a little overwhelming, but it is important to remember that every single person you walk by in the halls has been in the exact same position you are in right now. Even the seniors you see today have at times felt lost and confused, just as you may feel today.
If I’ve learned anything at all about high-school, it’s that you are only in it once. It is crucial to remember one thing— make the most out of the experience. Take the difficult challenges and turn them into lessons. Take the events and make them memories, and take the education and make it a tool you will use for the rest of your life. In truth, it really does go by faster than you expect.
As a freshman, you are introduced to a new experience, and with that comes many questions. For instance “How do I survive my first year?” or “What should I prioritize during high-school?” And who better to answer these questions than the people who have already navigated the journey you have just begun? Yes, the seniors. Take a deep breath, relax, and remember that all things must come to an end at one point, so try to enjoy it.
Q & A FROM FRESHMAN TO SENIOR
Freshman Peter Curran “How do you get good grades?”
Senior Miguel Suarez-Cabal
“You need to lock in. Make a schedule for your home work and teach yourself how to relax better.”
Freshman Mateo Oguz “How do you get your homework done on time?”
Senior Alfonso Gonzalez
“I usually do it in the morning or when I’m driving to school in the car, because i don’t have time after school. It doesn’t matter how you do it, just find a routine that works for you and get it done.”
Freshman Angelina Manso “As a freshman, how can I begin preparing now to get into college?”
Senior Valentina Lanza
“Find and do something you’re really passionate about. For me, it has been dance. I got so involved, I created a nonprofit for it.”
Remember that the path ahead is yours to shape. It is up to you to establish how the next four years of your life will play out. Surround yourself with good people who lift you up and support you. Remember that a bad day isn’t a bad life, and the sun will rise every morning just as it has done the day before.
This experience will help you find yourself and provide you with the tools to grow both personally and academically. Always remember that you are never alone and help is just around the corner. Everyone here at ILS wants to see you excel, having your best interest always at heart.
The questions you have asked are just the beginning. As you navigate these next years, you will find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had. And who knows? One day you may find yourself in our shoes, giving advice to the freshmen of your senior year.
