Thrown Into High School: Freshmen Fright
Lyla Kelly, copy editor
As a new class enters Johns Creek High School (JCHS), freshmen ask themselves questions, raise concerns and create new goals. Like all students, the Class of 2030 will have expectations and create routines while adjusting to their new environment.
Everyone begins high school with similar nerves and emotions, daunted by the scale and the importance that the next four years hold. Freshmen are thrown into a larger building, with upperclassmen and faculty holding them to high standards. Their upperclassmen years will contribute to their future, and freshmen year is the foundation for that success. The first year can determine pathways and prerequisites for future classes and will create familiarity within the schooxl environment.
Freshmen are expected to adjust to the new setting as information is handed to them in waves. From extracurriculars, classes, friends and school functions, the students are expected to formulate a plan to juggle all of the above. This pressure to have a constructed plan or routine contributes to the freshmen fright at the beginning of the academic year.
"I'm nervous about my sleep schedule because I have to balance my honors classes, AP Government, and extracurriculars," said ninth-grader Maureen Tan. "I need to adjust my sleep and time management for high school."
As freshmen settle into the flow of Johns Creek, they will learn what activities they are interested in, what classes they want to take in the future, who they will surround themselves with and which school functions they are planning to attend. The adjustment will take time, but the payoff will be worth it for those who put the effort in. Club fair, occurring in August, is an annual event that is a fantastic opportunity for all underclassmen. It is the introduction of all of JCHS clubs, and sets the path for their future hobbies, activities and extracurriculars.
“It would be reassuring to hear that it is okay if things are hard at first. I just need to stay focused, work hard and not stress too much,” said ninth-grader John Horeback. “I’m looking forward to learning new things and seeing how I improve. I want to stay organized and get my assignments done on time, and avoid waiting until last minute.”
School events draw excitement for new Johns Creek students, from homecoming to sports games and everything in between. Attending the homecoming dance in freshmen year appears to be a coming-of-age landmark. It is the first formal event of the high school years and marks an entrance to a new phase of life. The first football games and the immersive sports environment have vast differences from middle school, and it creates a united student body that opens freshmen up to a variety of people and social circles. Freshmen year is not only about being stressed or overwhelmed. There are so many things and activities to look forward to and to be excited about.
Beyond specific school events, the mundane daily routine for freshmen can build consistency while making it entertaining. Clubs and extracurriculars, often in the mornings or afternoons during the school week, add tasks and events outside of academic work. Many clubs offer volunteering opportunities, benefiting resumes while simultaneously acting as a fun social outlet. Field trips, often through specific elective pathways, immerse students in that subject and add variety outside of the usual 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. school day. The art, engineering, marketing, audio and film, drama and music classes often have field trips or weekends away from campus. Outside of school activities, there are experiences that being in high school offers. For example, walking to the Regal Medlock Plaza, with Starbucks, the movie theater and other restaurants are ideal locations for studying and spending time with friends.
"I need to give myself equal amounts of time to work and have a break to prevent stress," said ninth-grader Nora Daunais. "I'm having lots of fun and I have more time to work."
As the freshmen's first year begins, there are many factors to consider, from classes and extracurricular activities to fun privileges. While freshmen students should take advantage of as much as they can, staying focused on what is important individually will make them stand out.
