For many people high school is a dreaded return, but for the freshman it is an entirely different experience. Older classmen know what to expect when going back to school, but for freshman we have no idea what is going to happen. Freshman usually have mixed emotions going to high school, excited to finally be part of the “high school” community, disturbed returning to school, and worried to be the lowest classmen yet again.
I was excited to be going to high school until I received my schedule from Passage to Pride. My entire schedule was messed up, I was in classes that I had already taken and passed. My first day of high school was dreaded, knowing that I was in the wrong classes. That was just my experience. Everyone has a different one.
Aaliayah, another freshman had a completely different opinion from the start than me. “My first impression of Pitman high school was, Whoa! I love this school. I love the teachers and students. They’re all so nice and very welcoming.” Another enthusiastic incoming freshman was Barbara. She explained to me her first impression as she had a smile on her face. “I felt everything was fresh and better than junior high. I love it and everyone fits in so well, like a family. I have already made more friends every second, I enjoy high school.” Julie, who is an involved student, told me, “Pitman is a well rounded school with a lot of extracurricular activities that perfects the student body.” She was one who was ready for the jump from junior high to high school. These freshmen had no problem fitting in and adapting to their surroundings, but for others high school is a completely different experience that takes some getting used to.
Alex, a freshman told me his story as we ate lunch. “Okay, at first I was really nervous because in all of my classes I didn’t know anybody, but now I have made friends and I’m liking school.” Another freshman that felt the same way as Alex wasMadison. “It was a big difference from junior high, I was nervous at first because well, it was high school. High school is the next step until college, and the rest of your life. That can be very intimidating.” Nerves can get the best of you if you let them take over.
Nina, a good friend of mine said to me, “I have to be honest with you; high school was a big scary thought. I mean there are like eighteen year olds there. I was not ready for that at all, but after the first day I felt as if I belonged. I instantly felt mature.”
These are all students from different junior highs who have different interests, hobbies, sports and views. But, we all have one thing in common; we are all freshmen looking to fit in. Looking at the school that will decide our future for us, or looking at the school that will help us decide our future. We don’t know what our futures are, but we are all bonded by one school.
