How To: Freshman Guide
Graphic showcasing a student succeeding(Alexa Rios, The Puma Prensa)
Written By: Alexa Rios, Executive Editor
As a Maria Carrillo High School senior, freshman year is merely a blur. Coming to a school where I knew about three people was a complete struggle for me, as everyone already had their friend groups from Rincon Valley Middle School, and I felt like an outcast. On top of that, I wanted to become the greatest academic weapon of all time, pushing myself to get that coveted ‘A’ on my report card.
Now that I’m a senior I look back on freshman year and I find myself wishing I had done some things differently, but I also think highly of myself for being that girl who took risks. For anyone who is stuck, here is how to survive your first year of high school.
First, chill. I know it might be stressful now, but remember that your freshman year should be one the easiest academically. There should be no reason to push yourself into midnight cramming for an Earth Science test, or shed tears over your first ‘C.’ It happens to us all, but you mustn't give up. Many of you might be hyper-focused on grades, and while it is still important to keep them up, high school isn’t just about that.
Being blindsided by trivial components can lead you to lose some of the best years of your life. As a freshman, I wish I could focus on myself and stress less, along with asking for help. Many times when we struggle, we never reach out to teachers or people who can guide us along the way. The teachers at Carrillo are always willing to provide support to any student who needs it, and it’s always good to form a bond with them. If you're ever having trouble with something else, meet with your counselor, or the school-based therapist who understands how anxiety-ridden the first year of high school can be. It’s important to be able to express your needs, while also being able to slow down and smell the roses.
Finding your people is my next tip. This is the time to make lifelong friendships, so make as many friends as you possibly can; even a simple hello can suffice. While it can be scary talking to a stranger in one of your classes, taking that extra step to get to know them can be a chance to become familiar with the people in your grade level. While not everyone might be a close friend, it’s always nice to be able to know there's someone in one of your classes who can help you with work or just be there to talk to if needed. I like to say that this is one of the things I did best during my freshman year; I always tried to introduce myself to everyone, and even if it might have been annoying sometimes, I still became friends with so many people. Even now, I’ve still met new seniors in my classes just by being able to crack a joke. Being yourself can make those walls many of us put up slowly come down. This, of course, is easier said than done, as not everyone is extroverted. However, it’s still important to collaborate with others to make connections.
Lastly, do extracurriculars. I cannot stress this enough. This is the time to explore your interests and be able to do what YOU want to do. Start volunteering, join clubs, or find programs that you want to participate in. There are so many opportunities available as long as you are willing to put in the effort. It's also good to start finding opportunities like this early on, as waiting till your senior year isn’t smart when a long-term commitment is so crucial. One thing I personally started to do was the Ceres Community Project–which was once a week–where I helped out the people in our city by making meals and growing ingredients. Do what you like to do, and find a way that you can connect it with others. For example, I’ve had a friend, Janae Burgess, present the Student Voice Assembly that’s showcased all over Carrillo, or Shravan Sundaram who went to Civic Leaders of America conventions to support his club. There is always someone or some organization that can help to support your passions.
Regardless, freshman year isn’t easy, but it isn't hard either; really, it’s whatever you make of it. However, by using these tips, you can make your high school career really mean something to you by the end of it. They will prepare you for the future and set you on a track to succeed.