The bell rang, and I found myself lost in a sea of students. People were moving in all directions, and I had no idea where I was supposed to be going. Although my head was spinning from making the jump from middle schooler to high schooler, I kept moving through the crowd to find my class in the Freshman Academy. 

Eventually coming in late, I found a seat and tried to fit in with the vibe of the class. It was an awkward moment from freshman year that I will never forget. 

Even now as a senior, I still struggled with finding my classes, and I wondered if I’d fit in. But what’s different from freshman me is that I’m no longer worried about whether I’m late or if people won’t like me. I’ve grown as a person over my four years in high school. 

Almost everyone has had some embarrassing experience their freshman year in high school, but there are so many good things about being a Husky. 

We took the time to ask some freshman students what they thought about their first day of high school. Here’s what freshman Kiera Chao had to say.

Freshmen nerves

“The first day of school was crazy. I got lost a couple of times… It was much better than middle school, though.”

Another student, freshman Lucianna Bennett, said “I felt like my first day of school was really good. My favorite part was probably just making new friends.” 

Although Bennett didn’t like maneuvering the busy hallways and struggled to find her classrooms in such a huge school, she had a very positive attitude after the day was over.

“I feel like high school was less scary than I thought it would be, and it’s a lot more fun than I expected,” she went on to say.

Senior guidance

Students usually have big expectations going into high school—sometimes putting more pressure on themselves than they should. New students shouldn’t be worried about fitting in with the crowd. They should direct more of their attention to standing out and making friendships that will last them a lifetime. 

Senior Camden Rataic said, “Be outgoing and talk to more people. I was too busy trying to be ‘nonchalant’ or ‘cool’ when the real way to be noticed is to speak up.”

Rataic also mentioned how students should be focused on enjoying their time while it lasts. 

“It goes by very fast, and I know a lot of people say that and you think they’re just saying that, but you don’t realize until all the time has passed.”

Senior Kennedy Johnson also shared similar advice for the new students, saying “Savor all the memories because it goes by faster than you think.” 

Johnson also reflected on the things she’s learned throughout high school. She spoke about how she was able to learn more about herself along the years, and that helped her find her people.

“I learned people change, and if you just be yourself, you will find the right people for you,” Johnson said.

Whether it’s a senior finishing off their last year or a freshman embarking on their first year, high school is an important time in everyone’s life. Making the most of the years in high school, spending time to find out who we truly are, and staying involved in school activities will help all students make the most of their high school journey. 

What did you like about the first day of school? Do you have any advice to leave for the underclassmen? Leave a comment with your thoughts.