By Maissam Al Kharouf ‘28
As freshmen begin their high school journey, many upperclassmen believe the biggest thing to remember is not to stress too much. Senior Heidi Ventura shared that the first weeks of high school can feel overwhelming, but students adjust quicker than they expect.
Ventura said, “Don’t stress too much. The first weeks feel scary, but you’ll get used to everything faster than you think.”
When asked what she wished she had known as a freshman, Ventura explained that grades are not the only thing that matters at the beginning. Instead, she suggested that new students focus on adjusting and finding their rhythm. She also advised freshmen not to try too hard to impress everyone, saying that being yourself makes high school easier.
Similarly, senior Ire Madruge encouraged freshmen to take their time and not rush through the school year. He explained that understanding schedules, classes, and responsibilities takes time, and mistakes are normal during freshman year.
“It’s okay to make mistakes,” Madruge said. “Nobody expects you to know everything from day one.”
Both seniors agreed that one of the best ways for freshmen to make friends is to be open and friendly. Ventura suggested joining clubs or activities, while Madruge explained that even a simple conversation can help students form friendships and feel more comfortable in school.
Senior Mohammed Al Kharouf also shared advice for incoming freshmen, emphasizing the importance of staying organized and balancing school with personal life. He explained that procrastinating on assignments often creates unnecessary stress.
“High school goes by really fast,” Al Kharouf said. “You should enjoy the memories you make instead of stressing about every little thing.”
While each senior shared different experiences and perspectives, they all agreed on one message for incoming freshmen: enjoy the experience, stay confident, and do not be afraid to ask for help when needed.