Students’ first year on a high school campus with new people can be challenging. Freshman year of high school comes with unfamiliar people and teachers and a fresh environment. Arroyo Grande High School (AGHS) freshmen expected classes and homework to be the hardest part of high school. Other tasks students were concerned about were finding their classrooms and meeting their teachers.
Although Freshman year is intimidating and can be scary, AGHS Freshman students expected “Friends” to be the best part of high school. Freedom, classes, events, and sports were other enticing factors for the 25′-26′ freshmen.
After AGHS freshmen completed their first semester of high school, most reported that the hardest parts were homework and classes. Other students reported that teachers and social pressures are the hardest parts of high school.
The freshmen predicted that friends would be the best part of high school and after their first semester, they proved themselves correct. Compared to other factors like sports, freedom, and events, friends resulted with a whopping 83% positive rating.
Sara Mendoza Cerna (’29):
Before starting high school, what did you expect it to be like?
“I expected it to be crowded, big, and sometimes complicated.”
Now that you’re in high school, how do you feel about it?
“I feel good about high school and I like the variety of options [it has] for everyone.”
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
“The advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to keep up with your work and always ask for help when you need it.”
Devenn Contreras (’29):
Before starting high school, what did you expect it to be like?
“I expected lots of homework and pressure in having to choose what I want to do when I grow up.”
Now that you’re in high school, how do you feel about it?
“It’s just faded into normal. I was kind of right about some things. The timed essays are really stressful, but, overall, the classes and homework [aren’t] as bad as I expected.”
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
“Keep track of your homework to avoid missing assignments and even if you don’t have enough time after school, you can try to get homework done during school.”
Catherine Carter (’29):
Before starting high school, what did you expect it to be like?
I had mixed expectations; I was nervous but also excited. I thought there would be a lot of work and that it would be hard academically, but I was excited about other things.”
Now that you’re in high school, how do you feel about it?
“I really like it. There is a lot more homework than in middle school, but it’s not as much as I expected and it’s mostly easy. I also feel like I have a lot of friends this year and hang out with people more often [than previously].”
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
“Take your homework seriously and don’t slack off.”
Tali McCarty (’29):
Before starting high school, what did you expect it to be like?
“I expected there would be more people to spend more time with.”
Now that you’re in high school, how do you feel about it?
“It’s not hard. I have not had many social issues or school issues this year, so I have been having so much fun!”
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
“Join clubs, sports, and anything you enjoy. The people are so kind and amazing, as long as you reach out and try your best.”
Lilah Heacock (’29):
Before starting high school,what did you expect it to be like?
“The same as middle school, but there are more kids.”
Now that you’re in high school, how do you feel about it?
“Exactly as I expected, but I have more friends.”
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
“It’s a breeze if you make good choices and you actually pay attention to your classes [and] classwork.”
Daniel Decker (’29):
Before starting high school, what did you expect it to be like?
“Long, hard, tiring, no sleep, sleepy all the time, stressed, [and] new friends.”
Now that you’re in high school, how do you feel about it?
“Its [alright], everyone just wishes there was less stress and homework.”
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
“As a freshman myself, I have no clue, but it goes the same for a sixth or fifth grader. Cherish it, because it’s just a beautiful time.”
Olivia Rice (’29):
Before starting high school, what did you expect it to be like?
“I thought it would be very hard and I would have an enormous pile of homework every day from all my classes, as well as having some unkind teachers.”
Now that you’re in high school, how do you feel about it?
“I think it is really fun; from time to time it can be stressful, but, overall, not too different from middle school.”
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
“Do not be too scared and make sure you stay on top of your work and stay on good terms with your teachers.”
