Freshman Reflection

Standing in front of friends and family, finally receiving that well deserved diploma, most people don’t graduate without first surviving the infamous freshman year.

Freshman+Reflection

As the 2015-2016 school year draws to a close, this year’s freshmen get ready for exams and for their first year of high school to be over. For many, the past nine months have been full of lessons that they will carry with them for the next three years of their high school careers.

Now, that they’ve experienced freshman year, students admit they could improve the experience,  given the chance.

Alyssa Ryan, an IB freshman, said, “I would manage my time better by working ahead and not procrastinating as much.”

Sophomore, Mary Fahmi, said, “I would play a sport, like flag football.”

Marie Chmara, an IB freshman, said, “I would work more on my study habits, especially for math.”

Maddie Johnson, a junior, said, “I would not be as shy as I was, I would try more in school, and I wouldn’t let drama get to me.”

Karl Sannick III, an IB sophomore, said, “I would focus on work more, instead of the social aspect, and be more prepared for upcoming events each day.”

“I would come to school more positive, get more sleep, and establish better routines,” said Riley Walker, an IB freshman.

Freshman, Mera Girgiss said, “I would bring lunch every day.”

Students also shared some of their fondest freshman memories.

“Acting out A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Tharin’s class was pretty memorable,” Walker said.

“I remember gym class, because my friends and I would talk and hangout on the steps,” said Johnson.”

“I enjoyed starting the school year with friends,” said Girgiss.

“Dressing up for homecoming was pretty cool,” said Fahmi.

Believe it or not, teachers were once high school freshmen, too.

Barbara Dirscherl, an IB freshman teacher said, “I remember how the school seemed so big when I started. I was afraid of getting lost. I had really good teachers who made me feel welcomed and comfortable. However, my hardest teachers are the ones whose lessons I still remember, today.”

Amy Titus, the school librarian, said, “I was a marching band student and had band camp in the summer. I was happy being a freshman, because I was already friends with all the band kids.”

Teachers and students alike have advice for future freshman.

“Students need to be organized and find a way to manage their time. Also, be involved in an activity, whether it’s TV club or marching band,” said Titus.

“Work hard; it’s worth it in the end,” said Girgiss.

Fahmi said, “balance out your time between studying.”

“Focus on your school work, because your freshman year is going to be difficult,” said Chmara.

Johnson said, “This is the beginning of your high school experience; don’t ruin it over the small stuff.”

Whether someone is as new to the high school scene as a freshman or as familiar with it as a teacher, they should take the time to reflect and ask themselves what lessons and experiences they took away from their freshman year.