Freshman tell about transitioning to high school

By Emely Anaya Ortiz

Opinions Editor

The transition from middle to high school offers new opportunities and experiences. This school year has been filled with challenges and successes for the Crete-Monee High School class of 2028, highlighting their achievements, adjustments, and lessons learned.

Freshman year can be difficult. You're in a new environment, with people you have never met. Find a group of people you can trust and you shouldn't have too many issues.

Freshman year can be a world wind. you meet new people you didn't know from middle school. You're in a different environment, and things could be hard to re-adjust .

"I think the biggest transition is not knowing the high school at the start of the year," freshman Gavin Jemilo said.

Jemilo's key point concerns students starting high school unfamiliar with the environment. He highlights the sensibility of being unsure or disoriented about where to head and what measures to take at the start of the school year. 

"Utilize all the teacher supports after school, HERO, Paper tutoring, use classroom time effectively, and turn in work on time—don't get behind.  Attendance also greatly impacts academic success!" Ms. Hofman said.

Counselor Ms. Hofman encourages students to make the most of all the accessible resources the high school provides, such as after-school help, HERO, paper tutoring, submitting assignments, managing class time wisely, and maintaining good attendance to have a bright and prosperous academic future.

"Yeah, I think through sports and stuff with wrestling and baseball, I've made new friends," freshman Tyler Burnett said.

Burnett highlights the beneficial social aspects of sports such as baseball and wrestling, stating that they have connected him with new peers. 

"I feel that high school isn't as hard as a lot of people and teachers make it seem," freshman Damian Cerda said.

Cerda explains that his first year was not as challenging as his peers and middle school teachers portrayed it.

"I would advise 8th graders coming into freshman year that they should not be intimidated and also to join a sport or activity," freshman Ryan Piepenbrink said.

Piepenbrink advises approaching freshmen not to be frightened about entering high school and recommends that they get involved with the school by participating in an after-school sport or activity. 

"A common misconception is that every class or assignment carries make-or-break importance, which can cause unnecessary anxiety. Another is believing that they have to have everything figured out right away—high school is a journey, and growth takes time," Mr. Lentz said.

Mr. Lentz addresses the frequent misapprehensions that many first-year students experience. He highlights that they mistakenly assume each class or task is exceptionally critical, contributing to unnecessary stress.