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News for the Carlsbad High School Community

The Lancer Link

News for the Carlsbad High School Community

The Lancer Link

Freshmen guide on how to survive

As a freshman, I remember the seniors looking like full grown adults instead of seventeen and eighteen year olds. Instead of just walking to class by myself, I insisted on meeting my circle of friends first and then walking together. Freshmen, I too was once intimidated by the sprawling campus.

Every graduating class has had a freshmen year, so every student has been in the same position. Since high school is already tough enough, let’s minimize the mishaps common to the new kids on the block.

The most difficult transition from eighth grade to high school is academics. Teachers truly mean it when they encourage students to do their homework. Your grade literally depends on it! As basic and obvious as it sounds, grades dramatically drop when you skip these assignments and they consume a considerable percentage of your grade. Plus, diligently turning in homework will give you wiggle room for when you have one poor test grade. It is the little things that matter and homework is one of them.

“They need to keep up with all assignments,” Freshmen English teacher Mrs. Britton said. “Everything does count. They should go to their teacher with questions and concerns. Students often sit there and don’t say anything. They need to clarify because we are here to help.”

Talking to your counselor might lead you in the right direction or veer you away from biting off more than you can chew. It’s called the guidance office for a reason, they can really make your high school career a little more manageable and minimize your stress load.

“It’s important to be friends with your counselor because they can write you really good college recommendations. Depending on the college you want to go to, your counselors will tell you which classes you should take and they’ll get you where you want to be,” Senior Emily Bonilla said.

This happens to all of us in any new or unfamiliar situation, but this time of trial will be easier if you have confidence in yourself. I know that when I push myself out of my comfort zone, I am grateful for that experience in retrospect. High school is the prime opportunity to do so. Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and connected. Not only will you feel more connected, but you will also meet upper classmen and no longer be isolated to friends your age.

“Join sports and clubs,” Senior Dan Lemming said. “You’re going to want to make all the friends you can and that’s the way to do it.  Do ASB or class council. Just go to all of the events. That’s what I did and that’s where you go to have fun.”

The key to having fun is branching out. It boils down to confidence again, and when you are not fully confident in yourself then you will rationalize and create reasons as to why you should keep to what you know instead of trying something new. In an environment where everyone is investigating different interests, high school is also the place to find new talents and abilities.

“Don’t be afraid of going to anything,” Bonilla said. “Everyone is in your same position or was at one point. I wish I would have joined something. I didn’t join anything. I thought it would stress me out too much and I would have too much on my plate if I did.”

From what I’ve observed in high school, mature people are not always the oldest. I’ve seen some freshmen are more mature than seniors. Maturity is measured by how to remain calm and collected when life gets a little more stressful. It may feel like you are running the gauntlet when you have to turn in an essay in a week, but remember to enjoy yourself in the meantime and make the most of the four years ahead of you.

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    Foy FanSep 27, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    I LOVE this article its the best I have EVER read and I will be following your articles VERY closely from here on out

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Freshmen guide on how to survive